Our charity in brief

Our Woodlands
Eden-Rose Coppice Trust has restored three urban woodlands in Sudbury, Ipswich, and Great Cornard.

Our tranquil green spaces offer a remarkable setting for well-being support, developing skills and creating meaningful connections within the community through shared experiences in nature. We are passionately committed to enhancing the appreciation of the natural world and unlocking its powerful benefits for personal well-being.

Our mission at Eden-Rose Coppice Trust is rooted in using the profound power of nature to support and help individuals facing complex health challenges. We believe that by connecting people with the natural world, we can significantly improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

How we find wellness in the woods
Through targeted ecotherapy programmes, workshops and meaningful volunteering opportunities that transform degraded urban disaster-prone areas into tranquil green spaces, we vastly benefit participants’ psychological and physical health and create vital new habitats.

The result of this collaborative effort is the creation of beautiful, tranquil woodlands that serve as vital havens for people living with life-limiting illnesses such as cancer, and their families. These natural sanctuaries offer a peaceful space for solace, reflection, or intimate gatherings, free from the stresses and financial burdens often associated with other venues.

Beyond providing respite for those facing serious health challenges, our transformed woodlands become vibrant community hubs right in the centre of towns. They serve as welcoming locations for a variety of activities and events that bring people together. They also offer meaningful volunteering opportunities for the wider community, fostering a sense of shared stewardship and connection to nature.

Finally, and importantly, these restored woodlands act as vital refuges for a diverse range of wildlife. By increasing biodiversity and creating healthy habitats, we contribute to the ecological richness of our urban environments, ensuring that these green spaces benefit not only human wellbeing but also the natural world around us.

Why we do this. 
Our family charity was established in 2007 following Rosemary Brooks’ terminal cancer diagnosis at the age of 54. After witnessing the positive impact that access to the garden and surrounding nature had on Rosemary’s well-being during such a challenging time, we recognised a significant disparity in access to such environments, particularly for individuals living in urban apartments and flats. This realisation inspired Rob, our charity founder, to acquire the first neglected woodland in Sudbury. For the past 18 years, our organisation has focused on providing access to natural spaces and promoting their associated well-being benefits, successfully helping numerous families along the way.

The Science Behind Our Woodland’s Wellbeing Benefits
There is substantial and growing evidence demonstrating positive links between urban green spaces and improved mental health. 

For people experiencing Cancer and their families:
Empirical evidence robustly demonstrates the multifaceted benefits of nature-based interventions for physical, psychological, and social health, offering particular support for individuals across the cancer journey. ¹ Given the significant scale of cancer in the UK, with Cancer Research UK and Macmillan estimating a diagnosis every two minutes and approximately 3 million people living with cancer in 2024 (projected to rise to 3.5 million in 2025), accessible and effective support is crucial. Immersion in natural environments has been scientifically proven to alleviate a range of challenges frequently experienced by cancer patients, including reducing anxiety, depression, stress, tension, confusion, and fatigue, while also improving sleep quality, fostering a sense of connectedness, and even helping to manage pain. ¹ This evidence underscores the potential of nature-based approaches to significantly enhance the wellbeing of individuals navigating different stages of a cancer diagnosis.

For Loneliness
Loneliness can affect anyone; it is the feeling of being alone rather than simply being physically alone. A person can feel connected and content in society while living in solitude, yet still feel lonely in a crowded room.

Our serene woodlands provide a welcoming environment that naturally combats loneliness. By offering opportunities for shared activities such as therapeutic gardening, mindfulness, and nature art therapy, individuals can connect with others. The calming presence of nature fosters a sense of peace and belonging, which helps reduce feelings of isolation and creates a supportive community within our woodland setting.

Anxiety
Our woodland activities are designed to help you manage your anxiety rather than let it take control of your life. Most people experience some level of anxiety, whether it manifests as worry, nervousness, restlessness, or difficulty relaxing. Our woodlands provide the perfect environment for engaging in enjoyable activities that can distract you from worries and feelings of anxiety, ultimately helping you feel better overall.

If you can help in any way at all, please get in touch on 0800 772 3755.