Cared for by National Trust Cymru, Powis Castle and Garden is a much-loved property in the north of Powys on the outskirts of Welshpool.
From the world-class garden, with its 17th century Italianate terraces and gigantic clipped yews, there are stunning views for miles over the picturesque countryside surrounding this Medieval castle. A visit can in itself be a boost to emotional wellbeing as we respond to the beauty of the gardens and engage with Nature.
Recently we were excited to hear about Wellbeing Wednesdays at Powis Castle, which are open to anyone and focus on improving mental health and wellbeing whilst being surrounded by the beauty of nature. We got in touch with Alison Dunne, Senior Volunteering and Community Officer there, to tell us more.
What is your role at Powis Castle?
From being a history student to bringing my own children to visit, I have always enjoyed visiting Powis and other National Trust places. The different outdoor spaces and heritage sites gave us endless days out wherever we happened to be.
My role at Powis is to open up opportunities to different people through volunteering and to encourage local people to enjoy Powis and everything we have to offer at this special place.
Most of our visitors live outside our local area. Part of my role has been to connect with local community groups to find out what they feel is a barrier to them coming to visit us at Powis and trying to overcome those barriers so they can fully enjoy this fantastic place right on their doorstep.
Powis’ community ambition is to support the wellbeing of the local community and inspire people to become advocates of the National Trust.
Wellbeing Wednesdays take place every Wednesday morning at 10am and are open to anyone who would like to come along and join in. Whilst for the most part the sessions will be a chance to soak up the beauty on a walk around our stunning gardens, we also have several special sessions planned.
To mark #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, on Wednesday 17 May we held a Singing for Wellbeing session led by Cathy Beech of Angel Voices Singing. On June 14 we’re looking forward to a Mindfulness Walk with Catherine Waterfall from Good4Mind, and on 12 July we are running a gentle yoga session on the lawn in our tranquil Edwardian Formal Garden.
Where did the idea come from for Wellbeing Wednesday?
Following the pandemic, we recognised that there was a need for people to connect with nature to enhance wellbeing. This is the belief on which the National Trust was founded.
'The need of quiet, the need of air, and I believe the sight of sky and of things growing,
seem human needs.’ Octavia Hill, National Trust Founder
After promoting the Wales Wellbeing Pass to local groups, we felt it would be good to have a designated time for members of those groups to come together, socialise, and share access to all that Powis has to offer. It’s important that those who are socially isolated or who may feel nervous about coming alone can enjoy an understanding and welcoming space.
Who can take part, is there a cost, and is booking required?
Everyone is welcome to come along and take part in our free Wellbeing Wednesday sessions, normal admission charges apply to non-members. No booking is required, just join us at 10am in the Visitor Welcome Cabin on the day.
What is the Wales Wellbeing Pass?
The Wales Wellbeing Access Pass is available to any group who lead activities that support the health and wellbeing of their members. At a cost of £45 per year, the pass allows groups of up to 50 people at a time to visit any National Trust Cymru site in Wales.
What are the benefits of joining in at the Wellbeing Wednesday sessions at Powis Castle?
The National Trust was established for everyone, for ever, and we’re delighted to be supporting the wellbeing of our local community, and working to ensure everyone feels welcome and can benefit from this special place. It’s fantastic to see the garden being enjoyed by so many local people.
It is widely recognised that access to beautiful spaces, nature and the outdoors has a positive effect on mood by offering sessions such as mindfulness, yoga and singing we hope we can encourage people to use different strategies to improve their mental and physical health.
Our first community project was setting up the community garden here at Powis, which is located in an underused area of the garden, off the visitor route. Surrounded by ancient trees and next to a scenic pond, it is a haven for wildlife and a peaceful space to escape to.
Originally started in 2021 to combat isolation after the Covid-19 Pandemic, the community garden is run in partnership with Ponthafren as a place to gather, grow vegetables, fruit, and flowers, learn new skills, and spend time in nature. The garden group is now flourishing and it’s fantastic to see friendships building and confidence growing. People interested in getting involved can contact admin@ponthafren.org.uk for more details.
Credu carers expressed a need to access beautiful spaces both for respite from their role, but also as a place to bring those they care for so they too can enjoy open space and a warm welcome. We’re working with them to overcome access barriers, and to design tailored visits to meet their particular needs for example, by offering an autism friendly “quiet visit” for families outside of normal opening hours.
I’m now working in partnership with Oldford Integrated Family Centre to trial a new individual access pass. Based on the concept of social prescribing the pass will give access to individuals whose mental or physical health would benefit from access to nature and heritage.
Tell us about the specialist sessions you are arranging, including singing, walking and mindfulness
As part of our Wellbeing Wednesdays, and to mark #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, on 17 May we held a Singing for Wellbeing session led by Cathy Beech of Angel Voices Singing.
Cathy said “I cannot wait to be surrounded by the beautiful venue of Powis Castle. I will be bringing my songs, guitar, backing tracks and vocal exercises to help you find your vocal joy. You don’t need to think you can sing, you just need to want to have some fun… it is about being in the moment and enjoying the ability to be present through singing. Please come and join me, you will have a fabulous, uplifting, life affirming time!”
As a special edition to our Wellbeing Wednesdays, on Wednesday 14 June we’re delighted to welcome Catherine Waterfall from good4mind.com to lead a Mindfulness Walk through the beautiful gardens here at Powis. Catherine’s guided walk will be an introduction to mindfulness which she says has proven stress-relieving benefits, particularly when practiced outdoors in nature. Catherine says, “As well as walking slowly and mindfully, I will be leading meditations at various points to savour the beauty of the gardens.” Come and meet us at 10.15am at the garden gate for a relaxing start to your day. It is free to join the guided walk, but normal admission prices apply.
Then on Wednesday 12 July we are running a gentle yoga session on the lawn in our beautiful formal garden.
What are the main challenges of your role?
The foundation the National Trust is to make “everyone welcome”, but this is not always as easy as it sounds and when I speak to some local groups I often find there are barriers that prevent some members of our local community from visiting.
My challenge is to identify what might be stopping them and then find a solution so that they do feel welcome, for example they may need access to a quiet space for a sensitive child, or level access to the garden to avoid our steep terraces. Of course, in the current financial climate, price is also a barrier, but we are hoping the Wellbeing Pass will overcome some of that pressure for community groups.
Tell us about some of the most rewarding work you have done at Powis Castle
The most rewarding work is often the most simple – giving people access! Powis itself does the rest. It’s been great to see the effect a visit to the stunning garden or the splendour of the castle can have on someone who has never experienced them before.
I’m particularly proud of the community garden. I have seen a really positive change and growth in its users over the years. Our Garden Leader, Cheri, was very unsure and lacking in confidence when she first came to the garden. Now she runs the group for Ponthafren and recently won recently won the Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO) Volunteer of the Year for the “Excellence in Health & Wellbeing” category for her work.
Does Wellbeing Wednesday take place at other National Trust properties – for example, if people are on day trips or holidays?
Wellbeing Pass groups are welcome to visit other properties throughout Wales using their pass. We just ask them to book through us if they have a large group.
What are the National Trust views on boosting positive mental health generally as this relates to visitors, volunteers and staff?
From the National Trust website… Walking in nature for wellbeing | National Trust
“Spending time in nature can actually reduce anxiety and depression, according to the ‘Nature and Mental Health Report’ produced by mental health charity Mind. It also states that being outside in natural light can lift a person's mood, especially during the winter.”
Some good thoughts on here too… Everyone needs nature | National Trust
When you’re not working how do you enjoy spending your time?
I love being outdoors and enjoy walking, especially in beautiful scenery like the Lake District or direct from my door here in Mid Wales. I find I can lose myself in gardening and taking notice of what is happening in the garden throughout the year is a positive, uplifting experience. A garden is full of promise of better things to come.
Many thanks to Alison for telling us about the Wellbeing Wednesdays at Powis Castle Garden in North Powys. If you would like to find out more you can email Alison - volunteeringpowis@nationaltrust.org.uk
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