Our Impact

Bowden Springs Farm CIC was set up with the belief that gardening and connecting with nature has the power to improve people's health and wellbeing. Since 2022 we've been putting that belief into practice, running free community programmes from our unique garden in Totnes.

Who we reach

Each week, we host two community gardening groups with a combined pool of around 60 members. Our groups have been running for four years, and while we're always welcoming new faces, many members have been with us since the beginning. People come for all sorts of reasons — to support their mental wellbeing, to meet new people, to feel connected to their community, or simply to spend time outdoors if they don't have a garden of their own.

We also welcome children from a local primary school each week, giving them regular time in a working garden and the chance to experience nature and the changing seasons. On open days, we open the gates to the wider community, welcoming visitors who might not be able to make it to our regular groups.

Our programmes

Feel Good Gardening Our weekly volunteer gardening group brings together around 6-8 adults each week to grow food, tend the garden, and enjoy a shared lunch made using garden produce. The group is open to everyone and has built a close-knit community over the years.

Women's Flower Growing Group Every week, a group of 6-8 women come together to grow cut flowers. The group grew out of a support group for women recovering from cancer, but is now open to any woman looking for connection.

Earth Care School Sessions Each week we welcome local primary school children to the garden to explore what’s growing and to celebrate the changing seasons.

Programmes we've run

Beyond our current groups, we have also delivered therapeutic gardening programmes for women recovering from cancer and for adults with learning disabilities — work we hope to build on again in the future.

What people say

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