Flourishing green communities are changing lives in Devon

At the heart of Bow, the Growing Well Garden stands as a beacon of innovative healthcare, seamlessly integrating nature with well-being through its green social prescribing project. Dr. Susan Taheri, an NHS GP at Bow Medical Practice and the visionary founder of this garden, describes how this initiative has profoundly reignited her passion for medicine. Moving beyond the sterile confines of a traditional consulting room, Dr. Taheri now finds immense therapeutic value in meeting her patients amidst the vibrant greenery of the garden. "The most important thing we grow in our garden is people and connections," she often remarks, emphasizing the holistic healing that takes place here.

The garden offers a refreshing alternative to conventional medical consultations, where patients can engage in practical, hands-on activities like planting, weeding, and harvesting. This "getting your hands dirty and not worrying too much about germs" approach, as Dr. Taheri puts it, fosters a sense of calm, purpose, and community that is often elusive in a clinical setting. For individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, loneliness, or chronic health conditions, the garden provides a nurturing space to reconnect with themselves and others. Patients report significant improvements in their mental health, reduced stress levels, increased physical activity, and a renewed sense of belonging. The shared experience of cultivating life from the soil builds strong bonds, transforming isolated individuals into an active, supportive community. The simple act of watching a seed grow into a plant, or sharing a harvested vegetable, offers tangible proof of progress and hope, contributing to a profound sense of achievement and self-worth that traditional prescriptions often cannot provide.

Further south, nestled in the breathtaking expanse of Dartmoor, Shallowford Farm is making rural life accessible and meaningful for young people. This educational farm aims to bridge the growing disconnect between children and the natural world, offering invaluable experiences that foster an understanding and appreciation for the environment. Charles Staniland, a retired horticulturalist with a lifelong passion for the outdoors, volunteers his time at Shallowford Farm, sharing his extensive knowledge and infectious enthusiasm with the younger generation. His own love for gardening began in early childhood, and he is determined to pass on this vital connection.

Staniland’s mission is to demonstrate a more physical and tangible approach to food, teaching young participants that "it doesn’t just show up on a plate." Through practical tasks like preparing soil, planting seeds, tending crops, and caring for farm animals, children learn the origins of their food and the effort required to produce it. This hands-on education encourages a new generation to understand and value the world around them, instilling crucial life skills, responsibility, and an ethical appreciation for sustainable living. Staniland highlights the transformative power of the outdoors, explaining that it "takes people out of a concrete environment – it’s a very good first step into a greener environment." For many urban or suburban children, Shallowford Farm offers their first genuine interaction with farming and nature, boosting their confidence, problem-solving skills, and overall well-being away from screens and urban pressures. The farm becomes a place where curiosity blossoms, and respect for the natural world takes deep root.

In mid-Devon, the Sampford Peverell Tree Wardens exemplify the power of collective community action in environmental conservation. This independent, volunteer-based group is dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing the parish’s green infrastructure, demonstrating that looking after the environment truly is a shared responsibility. For Pete Drew and his fellow wardens, their efforts are often "powered by cake," a testament to the convivial and collaborative spirit that underpins their work. This informal, yet highly effective, approach fosters strong social bonds within the community, making environmental stewardship an enjoyable and inclusive activity.

The Tree Wardens are actively involved in planting, protecting, and maintaining trees and hedges on publicly owned land, working closely with local councils and private landowners. Their most notable achievement includes the planting of approximately 750 trees, which are now growing to form a vital wildlife corridor. This initiative not only enhances biodiversity by providing crucial habitats for local flora and fauna but also contributes significantly to carbon sequestration, improving air quality, and enriching the aesthetic beauty of Sampford Peverell. The trees help regulate local microclimates, reduce soil erosion, and create more pleasant green spaces for residents to enjoy. Drew passionately articulates the group’s motivation: it’s about "taking pride in where you live and making local spaces better for everyone." Their work transforms public areas into vibrant ecological assets, demonstrating how dedicated volunteers can make a lasting, tangible difference to their local environment and community well-being.

Finally, in the market town of Hatherleigh, Sustainable Hatherleigh is weaving a tapestry of interconnected projects aimed at fostering a truly resilient and environmentally conscious community. This dynamic group runs a diverse range of initiatives that touch various aspects of local life. From engaging "bug hunts" that introduce children and adults alike to the fascinating world of local invertebrates, to meticulously encouraging wildflowers and enhancing biodiversity within the local graveyard, their efforts are broad-reaching. These projects are not merely about aesthetics; they are fundamental to supporting the delicate balance of the local ecosystem.

Beyond biodiversity, Sustainable Hatherleigh promotes practical sustainability through initiatives like community composting, which diverts organic waste from landfills and creates nutrient-rich soil for local gardens. Their popular "repair café" encourages a circular economy, empowering residents to mend broken items rather than discarding them, thereby reducing waste and fostering valuable skills. The significance of their work has been formally recognised, with their main site in the middle of the town now designated as a county wildlife site – a testament to the ecological value they have cultivated. Jo Pullin, a driving force behind Sustainable Hatherleigh, articulates their overarching goal: to create a resilient future for the area. This vision encompasses not just environmental health, but also social cohesion, local self-sufficiency, and educational outreach that empowers every member of the community to play a role in shaping a greener, more sustainable tomorrow. Their comprehensive approach serves as an inspiring model for other towns looking to integrate environmental action into the very fabric of community life.

The nominations of Jo Pullin from Sustainable Hatherleigh, Dr. Susan Taheri from Growing Well Garden, Charles Staniland from Shallowford Farm, and Pete Drew from Sampford Peverell Tree Wardens as finalists in the BBC Radio Devon Make a Difference Awards underscore the profound impact these individuals and their projects are having. They represent a growing movement across Devon, where local communities are taking proactive steps to protect their natural heritage, improve public health, and build stronger, more connected societies. As the awards ceremony approaches, their stories serve as powerful reminders that even local initiatives, fueled by passion and collective effort, can create significant, lasting positive change, demonstrating that a flourishing green Devon is not just a dream, but a vibrant, unfolding reality.