At Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke in Weston-Super-Mare, a once-forgotten farm has been revitalized into a vibrant sanctuary fostering growth, learning, and wellbeing. This mental health hospital, located on Beach Road, is home to 71 beds and offers comprehensive services including emergency admissions, acute psychiatric care, personality disorder treatment, and high-support rehabilitation.
For the past eight years, the hospital’s on-site farm had been left overgrown and unused. But a year ago, the team at Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke embarked on an ambitious journey to reclaim this natural space for the benefit of their patients and the wider community. Joshua Jones, Head of Occupational Therapy, explained their vision: “We saw this as an opportunity to create an outdoor environment that promotes wellbeing and personal growth. It offers patients a calming, productive setting beyond traditional clinical spaces.”
Throughout the week, occupational therapy sessions introduce patients to the farm, engaging them in varied activities such as planting seeds, nurturing plants in the greenhouse, watering, and harvesting fresh produce. These hands-on experiences help patients build confidence, develop practical skills, explore new interests, and connect socially.
Joshua highlights that participation is voluntary, but many patients gradually become more involved. “Some have actively participated in clearing, weeding, and painting as part of the restoration project, while others enjoy spending time outdoors and being close to nature.” The hospital also collaborates closely with Nigel, a local horticulturalist who provides expert guidance to both patients and staff to ensure the farm thrives.
After the farm’s first successful vegetable harvest, including onions, lettuce, and cauliflower, cooking sessions were introduced to complement the gardening activities. These sessions not only empower patients with culinary skills but also tie into the hospital’s Recovery Education programme, helping individuals gain qualifications and prepare for independent living post-discharge.
Beyond patient care, the farm has fostered stronger community connections. Plans are underway to supply fresh produce to local food banks and invite residents to volunteer in caring for the farm. Joshua envisions these collaborations as key to increasing social interaction and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. “Our hope is that the farm becomes a hub of positive, inclusive engagement, breaking down barriers and demonstrating the value of nature-based healing.”
Through dedication and community partnership, the transformation of this disused farm has blossomed into an incredible haven of recovery, skill-building, and hope.