Friday
The Hive
12:00
Dr. Richard Claxton, works as a GP based in Tonbridge. He believes that gardening and connecting with nature significantly enhance both individual and societal health. This conviction inspired him to establish Gardening4Health, a charity that operates as a network for providers of therapeutic horticulture and a hub for education, conferences and the sharing of best practices.
His journey into the therapeutic effects of gardening began while serving as a Junior GP in London, where he recognised gardening as a powerful remedy for stress. Richard's contributions extend well beyond his medical practice, writing for publications such as Gardens Illustrated and Hortus. In his writings, he highlights the advantages of ‘social prescribing’, describing how gardening not only enhances both mental and physical health but also increases vitamin D levels and positively influences our serotonin levels through exposure to beneficial soil bacteria. Additionally, Richard specialises as a Garden Designer, crafting healing spaces within healthcare settings to create a sense of well-being and connection to nature.
Richard also volunteers as a guide at the renowned Sissinghurst garden and serves as a Trustee for Greenfingers Charity, focusing on gardens for children's hospices. As a thought leader in the intersection of gardening and health, he aims to make gardening-based therapies accessible to everyone.