Volunteers create mental health wellbeing garden

Volunteers have created a garden for NHS mental health patients and staff in Kent to enjoy.

Oakwood Nature Recovery Garden in Maidstone has been officially inaugurated with a tree-planting ceremony.

It took nine weeks for the team of volunteer gardeners to transform a neglected area into "a beautiful sensory garden" that "supports patients in their recovery journeys", the team said.

Sheila Stenson, Kent & Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust chief executive, said the garden was "a remarkable sensory experience".

She added: "This official opening not only celebrates our sensory garden, but also showcases the extraordinary spirit of our community and the commitment of our volunteers."

The trust collaborated with Kent Wildlife Trust to conduct thorough wildlife surveys, revealing the area's ecological diversity.

The garden is a "mosaic of textures, vibrant colours, soothing sounds, and serene wellness spaces, all designed to promote healing and recovery", according to the trust.

Students from Mid Kent College also joined the volunteering team with the project.

Kirsty McInnes, charity and volunteers manager, said: "The feedback we've received has been overwhelmingly positive.

"Many patients and their loved ones find this space calming and enjoyable."

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