Green Recovery

The Green Recovery Programme supports people to improve their wellbeing, confidence and future opportunities through practical environmental activity and personal development support. Combining conservation and landscaping work with employability training, accredited learning and mental health awareness, the programme helps participants develop valuable skills while making a positive difference to local green spaces and communities. Activities typically include habitat improvement, practical horticulture, teamwork, wellbeing sessions and support with progression into volunteering, training or employment.

Green Recovery in practice: Huntingdon

One example of the programme in practice was its delivery in partnership with Huntingdonshire District Council, where participants took part in practical conservation activities, completed City & Guilds qualifications and received support to build confidence, resilience and employability skills alongside improving local environments.

For those volunteers completing their City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Practical Horticulture, there were three modules to complete. The modules varied slightly depending on the project but included tasks such as using a nylon-cord strimmer, maintaining hand tools, and identifying tree species. Practical days were used to teach and assess these modules, with plenty of opportunities to practise and, where necessary, re-take assessments. Participants were provided with steel toe cap boots (or wellies), gloves, t-shirts and a hoodie, all of which they were able to keep at the end of the project. Other PPE, including safety glasses and ear protection, was also available to use.

Practical days were where participants completed a wide variety of conservation and landscaping tasks. Activities ranged from cutting back overgrown vegetation and making bat boxes to planting bulbs and shrubs. These sessions worked with people of all experience levels, helping them develop practical skills such as using drills, measuring and cutting wood, planting and maintaining trees, and much more.

Indoor sessions focused on developing interpersonal skills including teamwork, communication and managing conflict. The programme also placed a strong emphasis on mental health and wellbeing, covering topics such as dealing with emotions, coping strategies and practising self-compassion. Alongside this, participants received support with their individual progression, including CV development, interview skills and action planning for life after the project.

At the end of the programme, participants celebrated their achievements with family and friends at a celebration event where certificates were presented. The final project day was a group ‘jolly day’, chosen by the participants themselves as a way to recognise and celebrate all their hard work and commitment.

Volunteer Quotes

The best time of my life and the best working experience I have ever been a part of, every week brought something new

I have really enjoyed it, I felt challenged and supported and I wish it wasn’t over

The course boosted my self-confidence and I am going to use the transferrable skills for my business – I hope to continue to upskill myself so I can use a chainsaw in the future

It was amazing, fun, and makes you feel good. I’m getting out more and my fitness has improved. I have become more social and made good friends. I will continue to do productive tasks and have a lot of knowledge from the course so will be able to use it in the future to find a job