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Thrive is launching a new app to support even more people through gardening and time in nature. Find out more.
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Sign-up to the pilot phase of our app is now closed. Find out more about the new app below and look out for opportunities to download the full version in early 2025.

At Thrive, we know first-hand how gardening and time in nature can bring a range of benefits.

We are delighted to be able to expand our support with a new digital service, our Cultivating Wellbeing app.

How it works

Our new ‘Cultivating Wellbeing’ app, developed in partnership with Big Lemon, will allow individuals to develop their own gardening and nature-based plan.

At the heart of the app is an interactive personal calendar, along with tailored suggestions for different activities to try. Users will have the ability to record their efforts through notes and photos.

By creating and taking ownership of their own plan, we hope the app will help users embed healthier behaviours and in turn improve their health and wellbeing.

About the pilot

Starting from July 2024, we have been running a pilot to help us test the app.

Sign-ups for the pilot are now closed. You can still find some FAQs related to the pilot at the end of this article. If you have any other questions, you can contact us via info@thrive.org.uk

With thanks

The development of the app has been made possible thanks to a generous grant funding award. We are also continuing to explore extra sources of funding that will allow the app to be accessed by as many people as possible who could benefit from it.

Who could take part in the pilot?

In particular, we wanted to hear from:

  • Anyone who has taken part in an in-person therapeutic gardening programme, whether for a few days or several weeks or months
  • Anyone who would like to improve their health and wellbeing, particularly mental wellbeing
  • Health professionals who may be interested in referring people to this app

Is there anyone it was not suitable for?

This app is not specifically designed for children.

For anyone experiencing severe physical or mental health symptoms, we advised consulting with a GP or health professional first.

While the advice in this app includes ways you can adapt gardening to make it easier to do, it does not contain specific medical advice tailored to particular health conditions. We advised consulting with a healthcare professional if needed.

What did participants need to take part?

You needed to own a smartphone. The app works on both iOS and Android operating systems.

You did not need a big garden, or even a garden at all. A patio, balcony, or even windowsill inside will allow you to take part in activities.

Did you need to be an experienced gardener?

No, not at all. This app is suitable for everyone from novice gardeners through to experienced gardeners.

How much time were participants expected to spend testing the app?

We were looking for people to use the app over a period of 12 weeks or more. If anyone found during the pilot that they no longer had time or needed to drop out, that is also ok.

We are working with an external research partner, the University of Essex, to scientifically validate how the app is working. Participants were asked if they were willing to take part in these surveys at around 1 and 12 weeks. These surveys are anonymous - see below for more on data privacy.

As part of the app, participants could indicate when they have free time each week. That could be one day a week or several days. We know there are wellbeing benefits for anything up to two hours per week spent in gardens and nature. If they could only spend 20 minutes a week in the garden or in nature, that was absolutely fine.

How do participants know their data and privacy is safe?

We asked for the minimum of information to use the app. It is being developed to rigorous data and privacy standards. Data will not be shared with any 3rd parties or used for any other marketing purposes. See our privacy policy for further details.

Those registering to use the app have data processed under the lawful basis of legitimate interest.

The surveys conducted by the University of Essex will be hosted externally and will be anonymous. Participants could decline to take part in any survey.

When did the pilot start?

The pilot started in July 2024. Sign-ups closed in early autumn. The pilot will run until late autumn / early winter 2024.