‘New Leaf’ Project Report

Our Creativity for Wellbeing project ‘New Leaf’ focussed on increasing connection for participants with the natural environment.

“This approach comprises the use of arts and creativity in combination with mindfulness, relaxation, environmental and social connection activities.”
(Straeon Research Ltd; The Art of Growing Strong evaluation report; 2023)

This project was funded by The Arts Council of Wales and was supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, Growing Green, and all our project partners.

Participant Quotes

“Being on the autistic spectrum means I find unpredictable and uncontrollable sounds very stressful, and when I get through the gates into the allotment, I can feel my nervous system letting out a sigh of relief. When I get to the art session, I know what to expect and there is no pressure to ‘fit in’. Focusing on an art project or walking around the allotments means I don’t have to make eye contact if I don’t want to. Everyone is just accepted as they are which means I’m less anxious.”

“I love the opportunity to connect to nature and bring this into being creative in ways I’d never have thought of. I really enjoyed the mandala making. It was relaxing to collect the leaves and flowers and place them on the board to make a pattern. I was surprised at how well everyone worked together.”

“I find it calming coming here. It helps me clear my head. I feel so welcome as there is no judgement.”

“I like seeing the work developing and being used in the garden. It helps me feel better mentally coming here, and I love that my therapy dog is made so welcome too. My favourite thing has been making the tiles.”

“It’s so peaceful, and a good way to get to know people. It’s like being in the countryside, even though it’s in the middle of the city. I love the peace and quiet and the social side.”

Mental Health and Inequalities:

We tackled loneliness and social isolation, working with vulnerable and under-represented people living in Cardiff through our Arts on Referral/ Social Prescribing programme. We addressed mental ill health issues and built resilience and increased wellbeing for participants.

Physical Health/ Wellbeing:

We promoted positive physical health and wellbeing, encouraging individuals to get outdoors, to connect to nature, to creatively express themselves, be active, grow, and create. This project positively encouraged physical as well as emotional wellbeing, more healthy lifestyle routines and creative, holistic approaches to self confidence and connection.

Based at the Growing Green allotment Art Shed space (‘Triban’) and at Ty Canna in Cardiff, we offered a range of creative activities inspired by nature including: photography, natural weaving, nature-based crafts, sculptures, printing using organic textures, soundscapes, music and movement, film- making, animation, and creative writing.

We used the natural environment of the allotment and helped participants to creatively connect to nature to help relax, to be calm and feel well.

“ We have been drawing on inspiration from the seasons: moving from summer into winter we have been observing the sinking back of nature as it prepares to rest and store up nutrients for the long months ahead. Walking and sensory observation is a major part of our practice here as participants report that getting out and engaging with nature week after week has positive health benefits in terms of helping them to manage their depression, anxiety and other difficulties.

In Autumn and Winter we collaborated on a beautiful mandala, gathering the last colours as they changed to browns and reds. Rosehips, seed pods, dried grasses and reeds, autumn leaves and nasturtium flowers. It was absorbing to place the different elements we’d collected in circles, arranging and rearranging until everyone was happy with the final design. As mandalas represent wholeness, unity, connection and harmony, we explored how we might manifest more of these qualities in our lives. As well as significant reductions in depression and anxiety scores, nature-based interventions have also been shown to improve physical health and to help people find meaning, purpose, belonging and self-acceptance, all of which we have witnessed from various participants over the duration of the project.

Over winter, a core group of participants took part in the creation of a framed tactile artwork consisting of individual tiles from air-drying clay. Plant material was collected and used to make imprints in the clay, and then painted. The gradual building of layers of this project over many weeks was satisfying, with the goal of arranging and waterproofing the tiles in a frame constructed by one of the Growing Green volunteers. It was then attached to the Art Shed near the mural. Later in the year, participants requested to make more tiles, which we experimented with covering in latex so they will survive outdoors. Currently, we are creating tepee-style structures for them to be displayed on.

We made use of the increasing UV light to make cyanotypes, a form of camera less photography. Plant material was arranged carefully on the specially coated paper and left under glass, then washed in water to fix the images. Participants quickly mastered the various stages and were able to use the materials independently, making a series of prints that were displayed in the Art Shed.

We’ve been creating art for the gardens around the Art and Therapy sheds including decorating recycled tins, stringing beads onto them and hanging them in the trees. The therapy shed currently has a large mobile made of beads, bottle tops, shells, and wood catching the breeze in the porch.

The unique arrangement of this project in providing a dedicated arts shed situated within an established community allotment, means that there is a range of therapeutic tools available to support a whole spectrum of needs. It has been integral in enhancing psychological resilience and quality of life, reducing loneliness, and connecting people to nature and the local community of fellow allotment holders, and charities that use the space. It space has been developing with the installation of a giant poly tunnel which means groups can gather to plant seeds as well as an alternative creative space. It has also become more accessible with the installation of a compost toilet.”

(Sarah Featherstone, Breathe Creative Arts Project Development Worker)

The project was primarily offered for the service users of Ty Canna Mental Health Outreach Services in Cardiff, our key partners, with support from the volunteers at Growing Green.

During the programme we we also developed many new partnerships and referrals with other organisations supporting vulnerable people in the Cardiff area to expand the reach of this work, including: RSPB Cymru Wales; SAFE Partnership Cardiff Council; Bevans Bees; Platfform; Cardiff and Vale College; Grow Cardiff; cavamh; C3SC; USW Trefforest; Vale 50+ project Dementia Friendly Communities Group; Community Payback Cardiff; The Sanctuary; Wild Rhythm; FAN – Friends and Neighbours; Daffodil Ward Llandough Hospital; CAVC Young People’s Group; BEAT; Velindre Cancer Centre; Adult Services Learning Disability Team; 4Winds Mental Health Charity; Barnardo’s Cymru, and many more.