A section of unused land will be transformed into a wellness garden for those struggling with their mental health. 

Councillor Rob Pitt spotted an area of land on the playing fields in Abbots Way, Ely towards the end of last year after being inspired by the Queen’s Green Canopy tree planting initiative. 

“I noticed the area might benefit from some investment and engaged with the orchard project at the district council,” said Mr Pitt. 

“Given my links to St John’s Ambulance [SJA] in Ely and their proximity to the site, it occurred to me that the team there could launch a community support project.” 

Ely Standard: A wellness garden is due to be created on land in Abbots Way playing fields, Ely.A wellness garden is due to be created on land in Abbots Way playing fields, Ely. (Image: Cllr Rob Pitt)

Mr Pitt, president of the SJA Ely branch, won the approval of charity colleagues and residents near to where the wellness garden, named St John’s Retreat, will be created. 

The land will see fruit trees and pollination beds planted in the hope of attracting wildlife, with shrubs and herbs also present. 

The former soldier earned the support of East Cambridgeshire District Council [ECDC], who own the land, as well as a £500 grant from the Cambridgeshire ACRE charity to help with the project. 

Mr Pitt said: “I had been suffering with panic attacks, and I found reconnecting with nature and gardening to be a strength in getting over that.” 

Ely Standard: Cllr Rob Pitt hopes his plans for a wellness garden in Ely can help those struggling with mental health issues.Cllr Rob Pitt hopes his plans for a wellness garden in Ely can help those struggling with mental health issues. (Image: Cllr Rob Pitt)

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And the garden, to officially open on April 2, will be maintained by SJA to begin with and can act as a training space for SJA in summer. 

An ECDC spokesperson said: “We welcome the opportunity to enhance our natural environment and to support groups who would like to be more engaged in their local communities.” 

Ely Standard: Some of the plants that could feature in a wellness garden in Abbots Way, Ely.Some of the plants that could feature in a wellness garden in Abbots Way, Ely. (Image: Cllr Rob Pitt)

If you are interested in joining the SJA Ely branch, email Katrina Cattani, unit manager of Ely All Services, at: Kat.Cattani@sja.org.uk, contact Mr Pitt on 07908711455 or visit: www.sja.org.uk.