Growing Wellness: A new allotment project takes root in North Devon

Posted by Devon Partnership Trust in Charity, News, Recovery and wellbeing on 8th May, 2025

A new green initiative is taking shape in North Devon, where a previously unused patch of land at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s North Devon hospital site is being transformed into a therapeutic allotment.

The allotment area within the hospital

The project has been made possible thanks to the dedication of our staff and generous support from the community.

The project is being led by nursing and occupational therapy staff at Ocean View ward in Barnstaple to benefit patients on the ward and in the community.

Once complete, the allotment will offer a secure and inclusive space for patients and staff to connect with nature through gardening, exercise and structured therapeutic activities. The site will include raised beds for planting, an outdoor tap and storage shed and sloped access for people with mobility challenges.

Karen Crockett, Senior Occupational Therapist in North Devon, shared her excitement for the project and said: “We’re incredibly excited about what this allotment will bring to the people we support. Having a calm, green space that encourages movement, connection and routine can be truly transformational for mental health recovery. We can’t wait to see it grow.”

Jody Lapinskas, Ocean View Ward Manager, added: “There is a significant body of evidence showing the positive benefits of green spaces, including stress reduction and improved mental wellbeing, which, over time, we are hoping to achieve with the garden space.”

We’d also like to thank the Waitrose Community Fund in Holsworthy which donated £1,000 to the project, with a visit from the community liaison lead.

Karen Crockett, Senior Occupational Therapist, Anne Dexter, Occupational Therapy Manager and Linda Blackshaw, Community Matters Lead from Waitrose Holsworthy, hold a cheque for £1,000

At Open Up charity, we’re proud to support initiatives like this that bring people together and make a tangible, positive difference to mental wellbeing in Devon and beyond. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us fund projects like this and support more people on their journey to recovery.

If you’d like more information, or you’d like to support our charity, please visit our website.

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Growing Wellness: A new allotment project takes root in North Devon

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