At BTC we pride ourselves on the vast curricula the College is able to provide to so many members of our community.

A course which has proved popular the last couple of years and which is now running online, is Promoting Wellbeing in the Garden.

Being surrounded by nature is intrinsically calming, and this course explores the ways in which gardens and gardening can support your own and others’ wellbeing.

This year has been very challenging for many during the COVID-19 lockdown and there has been a huge growth of interest in horticulture and how it can help with issues of mental and physical wellbeing.

This is what one learner had to say about the course and BTC’s Horticulture Course Leader, Nigel Cox:

I wanted to thank you for the wonderful Wellbeing and Gardening Course… and for you to know how much you and the course have motivated me!

I have been diagnosed with depression and PTSD… whilst my garden has continued to be my calm zone I had given up many things that I found relaxing, including meditation and mindfulness as I felt it was self indulgent when we were dealing with so many difficult issues.

Since the course started I have reconnected with nature, my wild garden and growing flowers, herbs and veg from seed. I am also finding alternative holistic treatments are working where the antidepressants have failed to make any in road.

I have learned a great deal from your fascinating course. It has reminded me of what I already knew deep down. Nature has the answers if you take the time to slow down and notice them. The course also gave me permission to do this and for that I am truly thankful.

We are so pleased to hear from learners when our courses have had such a positive impact on their lives.

Learning is for life!

This course is running during the 2021/22 academic year. During the sessions you will have the opportunity to learn about methods to promote wellbeing in the garden, learn about areas of research into the area of mental health, examine the impact of projects such as Horatio’s garden as well as working in discussion groups to share experiences of how gardening has impacted on your life.

Find out more here.