The healing power of NATURE

Three women share the importance of nurturing the world in which we live

- KIM WILLIS

‘Our health is linked to that of our planet’

Dr Anne Hayden, 69, from Dorset, is a retired GP. Last summer, she launched an enterprise to encourage communities to grow together.

It’s my belief that the health of our planet is inextricably linked to our own health. Too many of us have disconnected from nature, with what I think are worrying consequences.

In January 2021, I founded Your Planet Doctors, with the dual purpose of helping protect the health of the planet and our health. If we build caring, sustainable, self-sufficient and resilient communities, we can improve our physical and mental wellbeing, and better cope with all the challenges facing us now and in future.

Last summer, I started running a project on the Beaufort Road estate in Dorset, bringing together the community to grow organic fruit, vegetables and trees.

We plan to become sustainable and self-sufficient, which means growing enough not only to enjoy ourselves, but to sell too. Residents, local schools, churches, community centres and nurseries are all involved, and I’m hoping the success of the scheme can serve as a template to roll out across the country.

This spring, the local schools started a ‘grow your own rainbow garden’ project, and the GP surgeries are starting to prescribe food growing to help patients with their wellbeing. In many cases, time in nature can be a more successful resolution than medication.

I’ve also teamed up with local charities, including Friendly Food Club, to teach residents how to cook with the food we grow.