Cultivating Wellbeing and Belonging: AA Garden at a Nature Connection Equity and Inclusion Meeting

Understanding the Network and Meeting Context

In June 2025, AA Garden was invited to the Equity and Inclusion Node meeting of the Nature Connectedness Network (NCN). This network, established by the University of Derby and Natural England, brings together practitioners, researchers, and organisations working to enhance people’s connection with nature.

The meeting brought together community practitioners, academics, and policy stakeholders. Discussions focused on creating inclusive environments, supporting underrepresented groups, and exploring the role of students and volunteers in facilitating engagement with nature. Participants shared practical experiences, challenges, and insights, creating a collaborative space for learning and reflection.

AA Garden’s Presentation and Practice

Candy Zhang presented AA Garden’s approach, highlighting its community-led and participation-focused model of social and therapeutic horticulture. The project prioritises emotional wellbeing and social connection over formal teaching.

Workshops are designed to reduce reliance on language, enabling participants, especially new migrants and non-native English speakers, to engage through observation, touch, and collaborative activity. Activities include planting, garden maintenance, and group reflection, providing multiple entry points for engagement.

The sessions also function as “third spaces”, environments outside formal institutions where participants can interact informally, reduce social pressure, and explore their relationship with nature. Students, volunteers, and community members co-create these spaces, shaping both social dynamics and horticultural outcomes.

During the meeting, participants’ questions emphasised the importance of student engagement, volunteer involvement, and maintaining active participation. This feedback reinforced AA Garden’s commitment to inclusive, participatory design.

Discussion Highlights

Several key themes emerged from the discussion:

• Student and Volunteer Involvement: Participants highlighted the benefits of engaging students and volunteers, both for learning opportunities and for sustaining active participation.

• Balancing Guidance and Autonomy: The group discussed how workshops can offer guidance while allowing participants to make choices, fostering ownership and engagement.

• Community Impact and Belonging: Participants explored how inclusive nature-based activities can strengthen social bonds and emotional wellbeing within communities.

• Sustainability and Reach: Ideas were shared about expanding participation and ensuring activities remain accessible over time, including collaboration with schools, local organisations, and volunteers.

Reflections and Learning

For AA Garden, the meeting offered valuable insights into inclusive practice, particularly the role of students, volunteers, and community engagement in co-creating meaningful experiences.

It also reinforced the importance of designing workshops that are accessible to people with different language abilities, cultural backgrounds, and life experiences, while promoting active involvement and emotional support.

Learning from other practitioners highlighted opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the development of best practices for equity and inclusion in nature-based work.

Future Directions

AA Garden plans to integrate these insights into future workshops by:

• Continuing to prioritise student and volunteer engagement as active participants.

• Structuring activities that balance guidance with participant autonomy, creating flexible and inclusive spaces.

• Developing collaborations with schools, community organisations, and local initiatives to broaden participation.

• Scheduling quarterly workshops and follow-up sessions to ensure ongoing engagement and long-term community impact.

Through these steps, AA Garden aims to create sustainable, community-driven projects that connect people to nature in meaningful ways.

Conclusion: Growing Connection Together

AA Garden demonstrates that therapeutic gardening is not only about cultivating plants, but also about cultivating connection, resilience, and belonging.

Student participation, volunteer engagement, and inclusive design are central to ensuring that nature-based initiatives benefit all community members, strengthen social bonds, and promote emotional wellbeing.