By Lucy Kennedy, CSH Nature Recovery Ranger for Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
When I started working as a Nature Recovery Ranger with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in June 2025 there were three clearly identified green space projects to develop. One of these was ‘Millfields green space’ a rectangle of ground behind the Blossomwood unit at Kings Mill Hospital. Blossomwood is an inpatient mental health unit for patients aged 65 and over. There is also a community team sited right next to the green space. Lots of opportunities for staff and patients to benefit – but also some challenges.
Funding from Severn Trent Community Fund was secured and consultation undertaken. There were lots of exciting plans for a complementary space for staff to find a peaceful place, patients to experience nature and access gardening as a therapeutic activity and the local diverse wildlife to be supported.
My practical head was immediately slightly overwhelmed. Firstly, by the four flights of concrete steps to navigate with tools and deliveries and then I heard about the deer. The deer are a well loved feature for the site, but not in keeping with the current garden plans as they would eat it all! Then there were the thistles. Those who garden know how tricky they are to tackle when so numerous. If all that wasn’t enough, I then spotted the many strange mounds – ants nests, everywhere!
I spent time on research, lateral thinking and redesigning the detail of the plan. I also spent time on the green space – enjoying the butterflies thriving on the thistles, and hearing the prolific bird song that surrounds the space. I started a volunteer session, which is currently actively recruiting. Things started to look up!
I also had help from local businesses. ADAS agricultural surveyors have come across on a number of days and been instrumental in clearing the thorniest of overgrowth out the way. They have also built paths, carried benches and fixed fences. A team from Natural England East Midlands came over too, joined by some of the wider Centre for Sustainable Healthcare team and representatives from Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust for another high impact day! They started the big pond dig, plus fence fixing, and the first fruit bushes were planted – which also necessitated lugging a tonne of top soil up the now infamous steps.
On one of these days, whilst reflecting on the unexpected flooding along the steps and the new path, some of the ADAS staff were able to use their skills and help me determine the likely source – flowing seasonal ground water. More challenges! I now have to revisit my planting plan to those that can cope with such soggy conditions.
However, the challenges gave time to soak up the space. It’s a really charming natural space that we’ve come to embrace. We are about half way creating a space that both welcomes its natural feel and leaves plenty of space for a ‘wilder’ side, whilst also carving a few paths and creating raised vegetable beds, fruit beds, and flower planters to enable activities within it. It’s been hard work, but we know it will be worth it in the end.