Langham Walled Garden near Bury St Edmunds is the setting for Wild Heritage Suffolk's new stress-busting gardening project

A course designed to lower stress levels is soon to be launched at an historic walled garden north-east of Bury St Edmunds.

‘Let it Grow’ is being pioneered by Wild Heritage Suffolk, a recently-established community interest company based at the four-acre site on the Langham estate, and will start on May 2.

The free sessions are a relaxed and therapeutic approach to learning the basics about horticulture and the environment and are aimed at those aged 18 to 75 suffering from issues such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief and social isolation.

Catherine Supple, Wild Heritage Suffolk director and walled garden manager, said: “The atmosphere in the walled garden is very special.

“Once you come through the gate in the wall you are entering a very calm and serene place where all you can hear is bird song. It’s a perfect place to relax and feel away from life’s pressures.

“We want participants to come here to gain confidence, learn new skills, develop existing skills, get stuck in to the soil and above all, feel free to socialise.

“The sessions will be based around all aspects of growing, gardening, pollination, organic and sustainable living, and the importance of wildlife and biodiversity.

“We are developing a list of core seasonal subjects and workshops that we feel will benefit both those taking part and the natural environment. We hope to provide transport where it is required.“

The project will operate with two half day sessions weekly on Tuesdays through until late September.

Priority booking for the scheme is being given to participants who are referred by NHS Social Prescribers via the LifeLink organisation or those based at GP surgeries in Ixworth, Stanton, Woolpit and Botesdale.

There are 20 places available and no qualifications are required. The sessions are free of charge, with tools and materials all supplied.

Those joining the course can expect to divide their time between the new covered customised education space, lean-to-greenhouse and adapted raised beds, all made possible by funding from Suffolk Community Foundation.

The mix of indoor and outdoor activity led by a qualified instructor will involve ‘getting your hands dirty’ and achieving the satisfaction of growing seasonal plants, vegetables and salad to take home.

Those interested in taking part should contact either LifeLink or an NHS Social Prescriber at their local GP surgery. The catchment area is villages and the towns of Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket.

The Wild Heritage Suffolk team can be contacted at lwgnursery1@gmail.com or 01359 760326.

Dating back around 300 years, the walled garden includes a restored kitchen garden and orchards and a wildlife rich meadow.

There is also a plant nursery specialising in native wildflowers, heritage vegetables, herbs and ornamental plants, plus a small shop selling plants and organic produce to the public.

See here for more information about the garden and nursery.