A charity that provides community support in the areas of Exmouth, Woodbury, and Budleigh Salterton, is developing a community garden to provide safe places for gardening.

Health professionals are prescribing gardening as a way to improve mental and physical health, eventually lessening the pressure on the NHS.

Seachange is developing the community garden along with an allotment for people to go out and do some gardening, or to just sit and enjoy some peace.

It encourages all age groups to get involved, including families with children and older residents.

A particular project, Gardening for Health, is free and utilises gardening to develop group activities.

Participants gather every Tuesday morning at the Seachange gardens and the Budleigh Community Allotment to learn new gardening skills like plant cultivation and harvesting, while building social connections.

Proven benefits of getting involved in gardening and outdoor activities include physical and mental health, creation of new relationships, and the relieving isolation and loneliness.

Gardening, which involves a range of movements, is being linked to increased fitness, well-being, and a greater sense of achievement and purpose.