Northern Roots is a transformative project creating the UK’s largest urban farm and eco park on 160-acres of previously neglected land in Oldham, Greater Manchester.
They set up their Natural Health Service in 2023 and have established referring partnerships with a local GP practice, Oldham Public Health, Turning Point and Get Oldham Working. Most participants have complex co-existing, chronic mental and physical health conditions, alongside caring demands, chaotic lifestyles and a history of trauma.
The Northern Roots team provide a diverse menu of nature activities, including nature connection walks, foraging, nature crafts, mindfulness, breathwork, growing, and green woodworking.
They facilitate three weekly nature sessions:
- Wild Wanderers
- Nature Natter
- Green Guardians
Thanks to funding from the GM Health Inequalities Green Social Prescribing Project, Northern Roots are now launching new partnerships with BAME Connect, Greater Manchester South Asian Women and Chai Women’s Group, SAWN (Support & Action Women’s Network) and Fatima Women’s Association.
Community Outreach Co-ordinator Faiza speaks Urdu and has bridged the daunting language gap for new participants. She added,
There’s a lot of taboo around mental health, and I think people are willing to lift that taboo. Working with South Asian women’s groups, there’s a lot of interest around growing, herbs and cooking, and the outdoors. The potential of the Natural Health Service is huge. It can do wonders.
Northern Roots track participants’ wellbeing using a combination of evaluation tools.
So far, participants have reported improved physical health and mental wellbeing, deepened connections to nature and reduced social isolation, leading to a 54.84% increase in wellbeing across the programme.