What people say about us

A large part of my role as the Green & Active Project Co-ordinator, is to connect with and support local community groups whose activities are focussed on people care and the environment, which is how I first came into contact with Jealott's Hill Community Landshare. As soon as I drove through their gates, I knew I had arrived somewhere special. There is a tangible warmth and nurturing feeling to the Landshare, and I very quickly appreciated how much this place means to so many people. All volunteers I send to the Landshare thoroughly enjoy their day, and often say “I can’t believe more people don’t know about this place!” If you like spending time outdoors, if you are interested in horticulture and nature, if you want to develop your gardening skills and knowledge, if you want to meet new people, if you want to do something meaningful, if you need the support of your community, if you care about your community and if you want to feel part of something special, then Jealotts Hill Community Landshare is for you!

When I retired from work, I wanted an activity to fill some of my new found spare time. I discovered JHCL and began volunteering. It fitted well with my love of gardening and DIY and enabled me to meet new friends and at the same time give something back to the community. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with other volunteers with different knowledge and physical or mental abilities. After volunteering for about 2 years, I developed a heart condition which curtailed my volunteering for a few months, and when I did return to the site, I was given a warm and understanding welcome and was able to adjust my activities to suit my recovery. Similarly, a few years later when recovering from cancer surgery I was given an equally warm and understanding welcome back. With the support of the staff and volunteers and coupled with the beautiful and serene environment of the JHCL site my recovery was greatly enhanced.

When I retired, I wanted to do some voluntary work in the community and as I love plants, gardening seemed an obvious path to take. On my first visit I instantly fell in love not just with the gardens but with the whole idea of the project. I could have the pleasure of being in such a lovely place and enjoy gardening, and by doing so I was supporting the work that was done to enable people from so many varied community groups to come and enjoy growing things. The friendship and support among the volunteers and staff was an added bonus. We talk as we work and enjoy chats at breaktime. We can also wander off and be alone for a while if we need to. Many people say that they come there for healing, both physically and mentally. My son was ill, and I suffered depression, stress and anxiety. The days when I could work at the Landshare became more important for helping me relax and be calm and cope with the difficulties of life. I step out of the car and relish just being there on the field under the big sky with the skylarks singing and buzzards and kites wheeling. I immediately shed any tensions and problems and look forward to the day.

I joined JHCL when I retired. My wife had retired shortly before me, and was enjoying volunteering at JHCL. We have been regulars at the site 2 days a week since then. I find the work at JHCL very therapeutic. Since we have temporarily stopped going to JHCL, I have noticed how my anxiety and depression have got worse. Working at JHCL gives structure to our week and gives us sustained physical activity. We have worked at JHCL in most weathers, we relish the fresh air. It is not just gardening that is therapeutic at JHCL, there is also the social contact with other people from diverse backgrounds. Social gatherings around coffee break and lunchtime have been an essential part of the day at JHCL. We have been regular helpers at JHCL events, which form a different kind of social situation, with some challenges for people like me with difficulties with social skills.

JHCL in three words - space, nature, friendship. I have been growing at JHCL since we first got the chance to get in the gate in late 2011. It is such an amazing, special place - the big skies, the friendly people, the fresh air and the connection with nature. When I was working and had stressful deadlines to meet - the first place I escaped to after sitting at a desk for hours on end was the Landshare. It grounds you, it puts things in perspective and it lets you INHALE & EXHALE into calmness.

What an amazing place! I was fortunate enough to visit with a group of clients with dementia. We had a tour, a picnic in the sunshine and all got involved in the fruit picking. The visit triggered memories, conversations and smiles. Highly recommend a visit to this secure, tranquil but stimulating setting

Over the years I have had the privilege to observe such amazing community work. It's not only the plants that have grown. I have seen many people gain confidence and achieved so much. The staff are so dedicated & caring to help everyone who attends.