A grant from the Cambridge and Counties Bank Foundation supported The Conservation Volunteers’ ‘Green Gym’ at Rolleston Primary School in Eyres Monsell, an area of socioeconomic and educational deprivation in Leicester. Green Gyms are community garden projects focused at bringing people together to warm-up and work out through conservation management, wildlife gardening and food-growing activities in a welcoming and supportive setting.
The Gym is attended during the week by people from the community, and at the weekend by family groups, encouraging inter-generational activity. It also doubles as an outdoor classroom for the primary school children. The Green Gym is a powerful social prescription – problem solving in a group, as well as spending time outdoors decreases symptoms of anxiety and depression and promotes a sense of belonging. And it is a fun way to stay active for those who do not enjoy traditional gyms and fitness classes.
