7 May 2025

The newly created garden at Neath Hill Surgery was officially opened this week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by two members of the CNWL Early Intervention in Psychosis allotment group.

Simon Warren, Service Manager attended and praised the garden ‘as a meaningful step forward in promoting wellbeing through nature.’

The garden is open to all patients and staff at Neath Hill Surgery, which provides a range of services including mental health, eating disorders, podiatry, children’s services and general practice. With its inviting layout and an array of home-grown produce – including strawberries, radishes, kale, and a variety of herbs – the space is designed to be a calm, welcoming retreat for all who visit.

The space was funded by NHS Property Services under the Social Prescribing Programme which involves connecting people with mental or physical health challenges to community services like support groups, activity groups, employment support and adult learning.

The wellbeing benefits of gardening and spending time outdoors are well documented, and the team behind the garden hopes it will become a valuable resource for recovery, reflection, and relaxation.

Adding to the charm of the space is a long-time resident: a duck that has nested in the garden for the past four years. Each spring, her ducklings are safely relocated to a nearby lake with the help of the RSPB Bird & Wildlife Conservation Charity.

This special green space – it’s already proving to be a thriving hub for nature, community and wellbeing!