We recently had a lovely time visiting the appropriately named Lovelyland in Castlefields, Shrewsbury. Paul’s Patch at Lovelyland provides walking and gardening activities for people wanting to learn more about the natural environment.

Lovelyland offers activity sessions for anyone wishing to make a connection with nature, learn about wildlife, take part in local walks, grow food and plants whilst also meeting other people.

Funding from Sport England’s Together Fund provision, which we helped to administer, has supported the Paul’s Patch wellbeing project for the community by extending the length of time that the project has been available for participants this year.

These sessions have provided opportunities for people to connect and share an enjoyment of green spaces for the benefit of their personal wellbeing and health. Physical activity has included participants walking to and from the sessions rather than using their own or public transport, walks around the Paul’s Patch garden and the physical activity of gardening.

The people who visit Paul’s Patch to take part in activities have provided some wonderful feedback about their experiences:

“It is an excellent meeting place for all sorts of activities, as well as gardening.”

“Three words I would use to describe the programme are: inclusive, fun and valuable.”

“Another three words are: Energetic, friendly and informative.”

“Paul’s Patch has provided our service users somewhere they can come, meet others and enjoy a lovely time. Everyone we have brought here has really enjoyed their visit.”

“Attending Lovelyland has enhanced my life.”

“We are looking forward to Spring so we can get involved again!”

“Attending Lovelyland has given me more confidence in trying new things. I moved to Shrewsbury two years ago and have met lots of friends through visiting this lovely place. It has helped me to build new friendships and to feel more connected to my local community.”

“It has helped me to do more activity than I would have done without the project”

And finally…

“This project brings people together regularly, which is great for our mental health and encourages us to get out and enjoy the outdoors.”

The sessions run from 10:30am on Thursdays at Paul's Patch in Castlefields, Shrewsbury. There is one session remaining in November 2022 before the group hopes to start again in Spring 2023!