Green social prescribing is about connecting people with nature and their local environments for the benefit of their health and well-being

About Green Prescribing

There is a long history of nature being used as a therapeutic tool and our healthcare services are recognising and embracing the role of nature in recovery for everyone.  Green social prescribing supports resilience and recovery through meeting people; improving self esteem and confidence; controlling emotions and improving motivation; improving physical fitness.  

FarmEco provides a number of opportunities related to nature and the outdoors in small, supportive groups. We are currently running two courses:

Nature Care

  • Nature Care is a self-care programme which uses the restorative powers of nature to benefit our minds and bodies. It is important for our wellbeing that we are not always ‘doing’ in nature and we give ourselves time to ‘be’ in nature.

    Sessions will include simple nature-based therapeutic activities that help encourage us to tune into and notice nature more. It involves weekly sessions in a small supportive group where you can experience nature-based activities, simple mindfulness techniques and personal resilience skills. Nature-based activities may include arts and crafts, practical countryside skills, campfire cooking, folklore or seasonal celebrations.

    Interlinked with the nature-based activities, we will also be sharing a simple and effective framework to help build resilience and adaptability. For so many of us, when we face uncertainty, unexpected change and the challenges that life throws at us, we get stuck. This simple tool will run throughout the course and can be used in our everyday lives to improve wellbeing.

    Nature Care helps people to move forwards in their lives through building companionship, learning new skills and controlling emotions to bring a sense of calm and joyfulness.

  • Our next programme will run for 5 weeks starting on Monday 11th Sept from 10am-2pm.

    Our Nature Care course is free of charge as we are kindly funded by the National Lottery

  • This course is suitable for anyone who feels they may benefit from our nature-based approach. We particularly welcome anyone who is experiencing feelings of low mood, anxiety, mild depression or loneliness to join our course. People may register themselves (see link below to our shop) or find out about the course through their social prescribing link worker or other professional support. Please contact us if you want to find out more and whether the course is suitable for you.

  • We do ‘check ins’ & grounding.

    We grow a connectedness to nature with nature-based mindfulness and arts.

    We care for the hedgerows, wildlife areas and agroforestry.

    We develop our resilience through nature-based personal development.

    We prepare and share a healthy lunch together, sometimes cooked over a campfire.

  • How do I get to the farm?

    FarmEco is just 15 minutes drive from Newark or Cotgrave and just 10 minutes from Bingham. If you don’t have a car, a bus service runs directly from Bingham and Newark, 91 Marshalls buses, though there may be a wait at the farm as the service is infrequent.

    What should I bring?

    We’re a real working farm and we will spend the session outdoors so layers of warm, dry clothing including hats and gloves are recommended. Old trainers, walking boots or wellies make perfect footwear for our (sometimes) muddy fields. Please also bring a water bottle. Lunch and a hot drink will be provided.

    Is your course therapy or counselling?

    No, our course doesn’t offer therapy or counselling. If you feel these would be of benefit to you, please contact your GP.

    How do I register?

    Please complete our online registration form and we’ll be in touch. You must live in Nottinghamshire to be eligible for this programme.

If you have any more questions or just want a chat about Nature Care, please email cider@farmeco.co.uk

Create with Nature

  • Connecting with nature, exercise and creativity are powerful tonics for our health and wellbeing. Kristina from Quirkshops is bringing all these elements together in a revitalising monthly creative nature walk at FarmEco.

    We'll be taking a walk around the labyrinth birch trees, rich hedgerows and mature woodland areas, to be inspired by the colours, textures, scents and sounds of the farm. These walks focus on the process of noticing and creating with nature, not the end result. Through noticing the colours, details and delights we might otherwise miss, we develop a deeper connection with and appreciation of nature. Each session will take a different approach sculpting, drawing, printing and painting with the natural materials we've gathered along our walk.

  • The sessions will run for from 10.30-12pm, once per month on either a Wednesday or Sunday on the following dates:

    24th Sept, 18thOct, 26th Nov, 13th Dec, 21st Jan

  • No experience necessary. The sessions are informal and supportive, designed for adults and young people aged over 14.

    Children MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times.

  • How do I get to the farm?

    FarmEco is just 15 minutes drive from Newark or Cotgrave and just 10 minutes from Bingham. If you don’t have a car, a bus service runs directly from Bingham and Newark, 91 Marshalls buses, though there may be a wait at the farm as the service is infrequent.

    What should I wear?

    The sessions will take place whatever the weather (yes even if it rains - rain painting is great fun!) so please dress appropriately and wear comfy shoes. If the weather is really poor we can shelter under cover.

    How do I book?

    Please complete book via our shop, the tickets are free but places are limited. Link below.

If you have any more questions or just want a chat about the walks, please email cider@farmeco.co.uk