Spring into Action!
So spring is upon us! Spring is a season filled with vibrant colours, fresh growth and the promise of new beginnings.
As winter fades away, gardens emerge as a canvas of life, exhibiting a rich variety of flowers, plants and wildlife. This transformation is not just visually stunning, it also plays a role in the environment, offering numerous benefits to people and the ecosystem.
One of the most noticeable changes during spring is the blossoming of flowers.
Tulips, daffodils, snowdrops and hyacinth are usually the first to bloom, often greeting gardeners with their bright hues and pleasant frangrances. These flowers not only beautify landscapes but also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are crucial for the pollination of many crops.
In recent years, we've seen increased awareness of the importance of pollinators. This had led to all our RTN projects across Derbyshire planting specific plants designed to attract these essential creatures.
Springtime is a very crucial period for environmental conservation efforts. This is something we pride ourselves on and will continue to allow us to do our bit for food security and the environment.
Wild pond build
Wild ponds, whilst seemingly small and insignificant, are vital ecosystems teeming with life. Their importance extends far beyond their size, providing critical habitats for a diverse array of plants and animals, many of which have faced increasing pressures from human activity.
These miniature worlds are biodiversity hotspots showcasing nature's resilience and complexity. The plant life within and around a wild pond is increasingly varied and submerged plants, like pondweeds, oxygenate the water and provide shelter for smaller organisms.
Emergent plants, such as reeds and rushes, grow along the edges, forming vital nesting and feeding areas for birds and insects. These plants also play a critical role in filtering pollutants from the water, improving its overall quality, and recent studies have highlighted the crucial role of pond vegetation in mitigating the effects of climate change, acting as a natural carbon sink.
The animal life supported by these ponds is equally impressive, and amphibians such as frogs and newts rely on ponds for breeding and larval development. Their presence is a good indicator of a healthy ecosystem. An array of insects, from dragonflies to water beetles, occupy various niches within the pond, forming the base of a food web that fish like sticklebacks and minnows may also inhabit.
Many ponds contribute to the overall biodiversity and birds such as herons and ducks frequent ponds and the wildlife they support is under considerable threat. Habitat loss, due to drainage for agriculture and urban development, is a major concer, with pollution from agricultural runoff and sewage contributing to algal blooms reducing levels and harming aquatic life.
At our Shipley Park site in Heanor, to help with this, even in a small way, we have created a deep water pond. As time goes on we intend to create external habitats as well as the evident aquatic ecosystem.
The RTN team at Shipley Park have been busy not only creating the pond area, but have been collecting specific materials to create pond-side habitats for the diverse wildlife it is hoped will begin to inhabit the area. Over time, we hope to showcase the pond's development at our project via social media and in future editions of our RTN newsletter.
There is a lot of careful, thoughtful and well-researched work going on to ensure the wild pond becomes the habitat we have planned. The ongoing benefits will offer not only a biodiverse habitat, but an ongoing learning opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge to support our wild spaces for the future.
RTN Buxton
In recent years, the importance of natural environments in addiction recovery have gained increasing attention.
Buxton, a town known for its beautiful landscapes and dedication to conservation, serves as an ideal setting for individuals recovering from active addiction. Using nature's unique way of healing and providing comfort makes it a valuable resource for those seeking to rebuild their lives.
Nature offers a calming and restorative atmosphere that can significantly aid recovery and being surrounded by greenery, hills and clean air allows individuals to escape the stresses of daily life. Research shows that spending time in nature reduces feelings of anxiety and depression, which are often prominent in those recovering from addiction.
In Buxton, the scenic beauty and tranquility of the Peak District encourages reflection and mindfulness; essential aspects of the healing process.
Therapeutic communities play a crucial role in supporting individuals in their recovery journey, as these are structured environments where people come together to share their experiences and encourage one another.
Conservation efforts in other Recovery Through Nature sites around Derbyshire demonstrate how teamwork fosters recovery. Many recovery programmes emphasise the importance of working together towards a common goal, such as preserving the natural beauty of the area. Teams often participate in tree planting and wildlife conservation efforts, and we grow our own fruit and veg.
Working together as a team is about collaboration, which allows individuals to learn essential life skills such as communication and responsibility, while also making a positive impact on the environment. Through these shared experiences, participants develop strong positive relationships that support their recovery.
In conclusion, the Recovery Through Nature project is a powerful approach which integrates environmental appreciation, therapeutic community and teamwork. Nature serves as a healing backdrop, helping individuals to reflect and recharge through support from the therapeutic community.
In a collaborative way, individuals recovering from addiction can find solace, purpose and connection.
As more programmes recognise the profound benefits of nature in the journey of recovery, we are now proud to open our first site in Buxton. Recovery Through Nature has stood as a testament to the restorative powers of the natural world and by embracing these elements, individuals can navigate their path to recovery with newfound hope and resilience.
Just give it a go!
To anyone who may be unsure about attending the RTN project, from my experience, just give it a go! I understand completely the anxieties and dissuasions that will evidently try to steer you away from it; I experienced it myself.
Despite this, everyone was more than welcome and fully willing to embrace myself as they have done for countless others.
This selflessness, intertwined within community is really what inspired me to then try and pursue a volunteering role. It wasn't something I had even considered at that point. Again, I thought there was no way I'd be good enough. I can barely understand how to plant a seed, let alone have responsibility and care for others. Despite this, I continued attending RTN as my authentic self, showcasing my shortcomings in group conversations, whereby others could offer their opinions and beliefs, highlighting their own struggles too.
Consistently engaging with other service users, with new-found confidence and empathy, from a place of genuine concern, encouraged those who ran the project, Mark and Sean, to suggest the idea of follunteering to me. Again, initially I was very self-doubting and jovially dismissive. But they persisted and believed in my skills as someone who could have a positive impact on the RTN project in helping others to become more accepting and confident. Their reassurance provided me that belief in myself and my capabilities to progress.
I can't emphasise enough how much that means to me, and again, how impact being involved within a therapeutic community is for someone who regularly battles with their own demons and abstinence.
RTN is a space where no prejudice about one's past is exposed, thus emphasising a safe collective environment, where people can create new relationships and engage with new projects to support their own recovery. Consequently it enables people, me included, a foundation from which they can personally and also occupationally advance.
As a result of the RTN project and the immense support offered from it, I am currently applying for a trainee role as a key worker to provide aid and counsel more pertinently those suffering with addiction.
Honestly, this career is something I never considered, possibly because of my own negative self-perception; I painted myself as a dark and uncontrollable wreck against a backdrop of light and positivity. However, through relentless empathy and belief from others, with my own growing self-confidence sprinkled in for good measure, I now realise that I can use my own experiences of that same darkness and hatred within addiction, to be the light and hope that others want for themselves.
Written by Anonymous
It's Busy Bee-ing Recovery!
The RTN site at Shipley Park is a fantastic place to meet and interact with great people. To be able to laugh and chat and enjoy a cuppa.
When the site was set up, an area was set aside to conserve bees and other pollinators. Our Bee Garden has primarily been left to nature. Where the wild flowers and purple thistle are free to do what they do best, which is to attract polllinators! Historically we have attracted a colony of white tailed bees. We do our best to encourage pollinators of all types as they are so valuable to a healthy ecosystem.
In some areas, the ground has been cleared of scrub and spring bulbs and corms have been planted. There is an abundance of fiery red and orange crocosmisa, which thrive in this garden. The bees love them. At the moment, our bulbs are starting to show and there will be a riot of colour in about a month's time. There's nothing quite like a home grown daffodil to put a smile on your face.
But for me, most of all, the garden is a quiet space for taking a breath and for contemplation. To listen to the birds and the buzzing of bees or meet our friendly robin!
The Bee Garden changes with each season and brings with it very little maintenance. In the spring we watch what nature does best and that is to be awakened again, and I, for one, am glad this calming conservation space was created.
Written by Jill
Current RTN site details
Recovery Through Nature: A path to healing and growth
The Recovery Through Nature project operates from various locations, including:
Buxton - Cunningdale allotments
Chesterfield - Stand Road allotments
Chesterfield - Train station
Heanor - Shipley Country Park
Ilkeston - Train station.
These sites provide a varied environment and a supportive community for people seeking recovery from various challenges, including active addiction.
The RTN project stands out by offering participants prestigious conservation awards and qualifications in horticulture. This focus on practical skills equips individuals with valuable knowledge about conservation and the environment, as well as fostering a sense of achievement and purpose. Participants connect with nature, experience the satisfaction of nurturing plants and wildlife and witness the fruits of their labours. This hands-on approach can significantly enhance self-esteem, making participants feel more capable and confident in their abilities.
Statistics reveal that individuals involved in the RTN project are 42% more likely to succeed in their recovery. This impressive figure emphasises the effectiveness of nature-based interventions. Connecting with nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood and provide a sense of calm.
This is crucial for individuals who may be grappling with anxiety or other mental health concerns. By offering a safe and tangible learning environment, RTN ensures that every participant, regardless of their background or skill level, feels included and valued.
The community aspect of the RTN project is also noteworthy. Participants join a supportive team that fosters camaraderie and friendship. This connection with others who share similar experiences can be incredibly uplifting. The friendships formed in these nature settings often extend beyond the project, providing a valuable support network that contributes to long-term recovery.
The Recovery Through Nature project serves as a beacon of hope for many individuals looking to rebuild their lives. By combining the therapeutic benefits of nature with practical skills in horticulture, RTN not only helps individuals reclaim their health but also empowers them to feel valued within a supportive community. As we continue to discover more about the healing properties of nature, initiatives like RTN remind us of its profound impact on recovery and wellbeing. Through such programmes, individuals can find a path to healing, growth and a brighter future.
If you like the sound of what we do and would like to come along to an RTN project, please contact your local Phoenix Futures Recovery Connector at the Derbyshire Recovery Partnership, who will bring you along.
