Members of the Church of England gathered at the Archbishop of Canterbury's residence to learn more about the healing benefits of gardening and put their green fingers to the test on the palace grounds.
Green Health Live 2 brought together chaplains and healthcare professionals to showcase the work of parishes providing therapeutic gardening spaces and share how gardening can help to improve well-being.
Last year a survey of clergy found that the number one problem they faced in their parishes was mental health issues. Research shows that gardening can help to relieve the effects of depression, loneliness and a range of mental health issues, but many people, particularly in towns and cities, do not have gardens of their own.
Speaking to Premier, the Church's lead bishop on healthcare issues, Rev James Newcome said many churches have redundant green spaces that could be utilised to help people.
He added: "Health and healing are a key part of our ministry. I think if we're really concerned about the whole person, body, mind and spirit, then we have a huge responsibility to do everything we can to help and this is one way of doing it."
Public health expert Professor Jim McManus shared some of the practical benefits of gardening and said: "Being in a garden really reduces your blood pressure and can reduce your stress. If you are gardening you have to focus on the task so that can help you put your other problems into context.
"It can be quite therapeutic because it raises good hormone levels and reduces bad hormone levels. And can provide peace and quiet and regularity."
According to Professor McManus, 24 per cent of the burden of ill health in the UK is mental health, which puts a huge strain on health services. He said church gardening projects can help to address this.
Writer and mental health campaigner Rachel Kelly said gardening can be a key part of recovery for many suffering from poor health.
"If you're having a really bad day, you can still go and plant some herbs or do some sweeping, so it's really suited to the small steps recovery," she said.
The Church of England is encouraging congregations across the country to work together with mental health charities and open up their green areas and host gardening projects to support mental health sufferers.
Jim McManus said these initiatives should be part of every churches mission to serve their local community.
"Gardening is a very practical way of living the gospel, living the Gospel message of helping people flourish and find common peace and relationship with God," he said.
Rev Newcome said: "There's quite a lot about cultivation and the land and growing things in the Bible. The Bible starts in the Garden of Eden.
"The fact that the earth is made by God and that we are his partners in creation, I think is one of the reasons why this is such a valuable project."
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