Would you like to spend more time in beautiful, natural environments? While you’re at it, would you like to improve your mental wellbeing? If the answer is yes, then the Balsam Centre is waiting for your call.
The Balsam Centre’s Ecotherapy Programme based at Moldrams Ground, near Wincanton, runs every Monday and is free for people struggling with their mental health. Groups are led by experienced outdoor practitioners Kate Hathway and Nick Truman. Some sessions are also run at Ham Hill, near Yeovil.
Somerset’s Soothing Locations
Moldrams Ground is a beautiful woodland and grassland site where ponds teem with wildlife, including dragonflies and newts. Located in the vicinity of Pen Selwood, its four acres of bog and unimproved grassland surrounded by dry woodland are a peaceful place in which to rebalance and refocus your mind.
Ham Hill is a scenic country park and a haven for wildlife. Some say it gets its name from Hamdon, an old English word meaning “the hill among the water meadows.” At its heart lies a superbly preserved Bronze and Iron Age hill fort dating from the 1st century BC.
Exploring the hill offers scenic walks, bird and animal watching, and stunning views across Somerset. Rare calcareous grassland supports wildflower meadows and wide-open parklands. To see more of Ham Hill, watch this video.
What is Ecotherapy?
People taking part in ecotherapy engage in outdoor activities in natural settings. There’s no single definition of ecotherapy as such, but programmes will be structured, regular activities led by trained professionals who give participants guidance and support.
Typically, ecotherapy activities involve exploring and appreciating the natural world while spending time with others who are facing similar challenges. In these sessions, nature connections and activities are the therapy.
While ecotherapy can stand alone, it’s often combined with approaches like CBT or other talking therapies, art therapy, or medication. By joining an ecotherapy group, you get to enjoy the natural world and its mental health benefits, including reduced stress and improved mood. Natural environments can make us feel calmer and more connected and give us a break from the sometimes hectic experiences of everyday life.
Getting Outdoors with the Balsam Centre
People who join the Balsam Centre’s nature-and-environment-focused groups say they find the experience peaceful and motivating. Kate and Nick provide a safe space where they can help participants get away from it all and experience life at a slower pace while connecting with the natural world, learning new outdoor skills, and meeting new people.
The centre also offers The Growing Space, a social and therapeutic gardening project. With spaces and areas for quiet contemplation, socialising, playing, food production, propagation and learning, the garden caters for a wide variety of needs. You can learn more about the garden project on its dedicated website.
How to Join the Ecotherapy Group
To join in, you can ask your GP or support worker to refer you or refer yourself. Additionally, you can sign up for the ecotherapy summer programme, which includes gentle fireside crafts, foraging and wildlife identification walks. You can contact Ecotherapy to find out more by calling 01963 31842 or emailing ecotherapy@balsamcentre.org.uk
How to Contact OMH
We offer support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to ensure that people struggling with their mental health in Somerset can access the right support at the right time.
To make a self-referral, please call our team at Mindline Somerset any time of the day or night, seven days a week, locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.
Alternatively, Mindline Live Web Chat is available via our website every day from 8 pm to 11 pm, or you can send us a message.