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Nature Connection at Lothlorien

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Lothlorien Therapeutic Community

Lothlorien is in a quiet rural setting in the Galloway hills, founded in 1974

It has been run since 1986 by the Rokpa Trust

Buddhist values of compassion and tolerance are the basis of the therapeutic approach

The community consists of residents with mental health challenges, voluntary co-workers and the staff or Core Group

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17 acres of land:

Organic vegetable gardens and orchards

Mixed species woodland

Pasture and meadows

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Maps

Showing habitat types, key features and surrounding areas

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Gardens

Producing food for the community - calming spaces - therapeutic benefits

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Nourishing self and soul - and the community

Growing food and confidence

Routine, rhythm and natural cycles

Spending time in nature

Fulltime Gardener Coordinator part of the Core Team

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Food and nature – space for biodiversity and pollinators

Education and learning

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Working in in groups or by oneself

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Sharing these spaces with others

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Greenhouse &

Polytunnels

Extending the growing season - peaches, grapes, cucumbers, tomatoes

Warmth!

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Preserving and Cooking

Food produced is consumed by the community - residents take it in turns to prepare lunch and dinner

Preserving - making juice, preserves etc… extends the life of the food

Potential beyond the community? Growing surplus for the Food Hub?

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Outdoor and Social Activities

Branching Out taster session - mental health support through nature

Gathering together as a community

Potential for other activities and programmes?

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Woodlands and Pond

Wild food and foraging

Biodiversity

Connecting with nature

Mindfulness Walks

Favourite quiet places

Learning and sharing

Potential for other projects: Community Tree Nursery?

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Community Cooperation

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Thank You