Get Involved with Green Gym at the Horder Centre

The Horder Centre is developing an exciting new Green Gym initiative in partnership with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), bringing together healthcare, wellbeing, community engagement, and environmental sustainability.

Green Gym is a nationally recognised initiative that involves local communities in practical gardening and conservation activities within charitable organisations, hospitals, and community spaces. The project will create a regular programme of outdoor, nature-based activity sessions on the hospital site, designed to support patient rehabilitation, staff wellbeing, and stronger community connections.

Supporting Patient Recovery

Crowborough Green Gym at The Horder Centre will be actively promoted to patients as part of their recovery pathway, offering an alternative to traditional indoor rehabilitation. Through gentle, supervised activities such as tree planting, woodland management, gardening, and habitat maintenance, participants can improve mobility, strength, confidence, and mental wellbeing while spending time outdoors.

Research consistently shows that physical activity in nature can reduce stress, improve mental health, combat loneliness, and support faster recovery outcomes. Green Gym provides patients with a welcoming and supportive environment to stay active at their own pace while reconnecting socially with others.

Building a Stronger Community

The project will actively involve local residents and volunteers from the Crowborough community, helping to create a greener, healthier, and more connected environment for everyone. Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn new skills, contribute to the hospital grounds, and meet others through regular community sessions.

Supporting Sustainability

Alongside its health and social benefits, the Green Gym contributes directly to environmental sustainability through biodiversity improvement, habitat restoration, woodland management, and carbon sequestration. The initiative reflects The Horder Centre’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and climate leadership.

By combining rehabilitation, wellbeing, volunteering, and environmental action, Green Gym delivers lasting social, clinical, environmental, and reputational benefits, all closely aligned with the values and priorities of The Horder Centre.

To find out more or register your interest in volunteering, please contact Carrie Edmonds via email: carrie.edmonds@tcv.org.uk