We are excited to announce a new one-day symposium at The Serge Hill Project: A Safe Green Space: the Landscape of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture.
‘Therapeutic horticulture is usually based on principles of organic cultivation. The focus is on environmental sustainability as well as the psychological sustainability that comes from providing people with what they need in order to grow.’ - Dr Sue Stuart-Smith, The Well Gardened Mind
The Safe Green Space: the Landscape of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture is a one-day symposium which explores the current and future landscapes of social therapeutic horticulture and social prescribing hosted by the Serge Hill Project in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Horticulture’s STH Group.
The day brings together an inspiring group of leading names from across the industry to examine the current landscape of social and therapeutic horticulture and to map its future; from accreditation to funding, from freelance practitioners to community projects, from pay to best practice.
Join us to hear from a distinguished group of experts across panel discussions, case studies and presentations:
- Molly Aldham (Natural Environment, National Lead, National Academy for Social Prescribing)
- Anna Baker Creswell (Trustee, Gardening4Health)
- Helen Bridle (Partnerships Manager, Defence Gardens Scheme)
- Dr Richard Claxton (CEO, National Garden Scheme)
- Sarah Galvin (Head of National Community Programmes, RHS)
- Linda Petrons (Director of Fundraising and Communications, Greenfingers)
- Keely Siddiqui Charlick (CEO Sunnyside Rural Trust)
- Dr Honey Smith (Director Greener Practice)
- Dr Sue Stuart-Smith (Co-Founder, The Serge Hill Project)
- Ben Thomas (CEO Thrive)
- Madeleine Thomas (STH practitioner)
- Lucy Thorpe (Regional Coordinator for London, Defence Gardens Scheme)
This event is unmissable for social therapeutic horticulture practitioners, social prescribers, gardeners, occupational therapists, GPs, community projects, charities, not-for-profits and anyone with an interest in the power and potential of social therapeutic horticulture.
More information
Tickets include refreshments, a home cooked lunch, an experiential workshop and access to The Plant Library of over 2000 perennials and bulbs.
The day will be hosted in the Apple House, a stunning timber building in the heart of an orchard and plant library and home to The Serge Hill Project, a new community interest company founded by Tom and Sue Stuart-Smith, based on the understanding that working with nature can radically transform people’s health and wellbeing. All profits from the day will go to fund the work of the Serge Hill Project.
We have 3 bursary places available for self employed or trainee STH practitioners, please contact us at info@sergehillproject.co.uk to apply by Friday 20 February 2026.
Accessibility & Parking
Accessible parking for those who require it is available at the entry to The Apple House. There is step-free access to the building and all areas. However, there are many potential trip hazards and uneven surfaces that may be encountered whilst visiting the gardens, along with gravel paths that aren’t suitable for walking frames with wheels. Please be aware that due to the ongoing building works around the Apple House, there may be additional hazards to look out for.
Parking
Parking is limited so please car-share or use public transport wherever possible. Details of how to find us are here.
On arrival, please follow signs to the parking at the end of Featherbed Lane.
Please note this is a no smoking and no vaping site.
The use of drones is not permitted.