The benefits of time spent outside in nature are only now being widely recognised. A new term has been coined – ‘nature deficit disorder’ – to describe the psychological, physical and cognitive costs of human alienation from nature.

Research undertaken recently by the ‘Green Gym’ movement has shown that being physically active in green spaces can relieve stress, help to combat depression and improve muscle strength, which is particularly important for older people, helping to maintain independence in later life. Participants also reported feeling fitter and having more energy than before.

By joining the Letcombe Brook volunteer team, you can:

• Enjoy being outdoors in the fresh air
• Get fit
• Make new friends
• Be part of a friendly community of like-minded people
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Learn new skills
• Have fun!

Here’s what a couple of our volunteers have to say:

“Volunteering for the Letcombe Brook Project provides a good workout physically with the option to work at your own pace and for as long as you feel comfortable. It also provides the opportunity to meet other like-minded people and usually develops into a lot of light-hearted banter with plenty of laughter.”

 “Working parties are great fun, working with like-minded people and a great deal of satisfaction is received in the working sessions.”

Please contact us if you’d like to come along. (Please bear in mind the work is of a physical nature and we work outdoors in all weathers all year round!)