Many of us live hectic, noise-filled lives and rarely leave ourselves enough time to allow our brains to reflect and rest. It's in these reflective times that creative ideas and solutions to problems can bubble up to the surface. Spending time in a Silent Space is rather like being in the quiet carriage of a train but with the added benefit of a beautiful green setting and the sights and sounds of nature as gentle distraction. Spending time in nature is beneficial to our wellbeing and helps to increase our respect for the natural world.
Over a year ago I had my first phone call with Liz Ware, founder of the Silent Space project, to talk about the possibility of a space on a university campus being developed into a Silent Space.
Silent Space was an idea that Liz had for many years but it wasn’t until her mother was diagnosed with dementia that a change in Liz’s working pattern meant that she had time to pilot the idea. Liz’s mother was a keen gardener and even in the rapid decline that she experienced, Liz recalls how her mother remembered the project and stayed interested in its progress until the day she died. Silent Space became the focus of a friendship that developed between them after her mother has forgotten that Liz was her daughter.
In a rare moment of clarity, Liz’s mother came up with the strap line ‘Peaceful time in green places’ and she would be incredibly proud to see it appearing in gardens around the UK. Today, there are 40 parks and gardens around the UK involved with Silent Space.
When Liz and I first talked, I told Liz about the aims and motivations of the Courage Wellbeing project and we both agreed that the two projects were a natural fit and an idea was born. It was from this point that I met with the wonderful UEA Estates team, who were so enthusiastic about this idea, we walked and talked to Earlham Hall, to visit the area they thought would work for this space. It was perfect. A quiet corner of the University, naturally tranquil but in need of a little love.
In May this year, as part of the Courage Project work, a group of PhDiggers (allotment and gardening group for PGRs) worked with the UEA Estates team to clear, tidy and plant the space by Earlham Hall to create a place for calm in nature.
This Silent Space is the first one that has ever been created at a university and it is the first of its kind in East Anglia.
The space will be officially launched on August 14th 12-1pm at Earlham Hall and you are invited to come along to the opening. There will be refreshments, tea and cake, a chance to chat and a chance to enjoy the Silent Space. I hope that you'll be able to join us for this event.
I would like to take a moment to thank each of our brilliant PhDiggers who came to work in the space in May, UEA Estates Team, Liz Ware and my colleagues in the Courage Project for supporting this project.
This blog is by Bryony Porter (PGR Mental Health Coordinator) and Liz Ware (Silent Space Founder). Contact bryony.porter@uea.ac.uk
You can find out more about how to get involved with future PhDiggers projects, including our allotments here.