Silent Space 2017

12/2/2018

Our lives are hectic and we often find it difficult to truly relax. As well-documented research demonstrates, time spent in nature can be very helpful. But could it be even more effective if we enjoyed it in silence? If, instead of allowing ourselves to be distracted, we made time to listen to the birds and the sounds of the breeze in the trees?

During the summer of 2016, the Landscape, Gardens and Health network website hosted the pilot study for the not for profit project Silent Space. For a few hours a week, a variety of gardens reserved an area in which visitors were asked to switch off their phones. They were encouraged to sit or stroll in silence. No matter how busy the rest of the garden, the Silent Space was a place of tranquillity.

The response from visitors, volunteers and garden staff was very positive. As a result, the project continued to expand in 2017. By the end of the year, there were 23 Silent Spaces around the UK.

Tying notebooks to benches in a Silent Space has proved to be the least intrusive method of evaluation. Visitors fill the pages with poems and drawings. Most of all, they express gratitude for the opportunity to spend time in a garden in silence.

Silent Space will continue to expand in 2018.

www.silentspace.org.uk

6 Comments

Bridget link

9/7/2016 09:04:00 am

This is an excellent idea and very timely.
I am surprised not to see more venues in central London as this is where it is needed most. I am sure it will grow .

Liz

9/7/2016 02:14:56 pm

Thank you for your kind comments, Bridget.

Yes, it would be wonderful to include more venues in London. The response to this summer's Silent Space pilot study continues to be very positive. We'll collect feedback from all the participants at the end of August and use what we learn to help other venues set up their own Silent Space in 2017.

Perhaps you could suggest some potential London sites to get us started?

Clare Cooper Marcus

11/7/2016 05:55:53 pm

Wonderful idea! I'm impressed that you have so many places involved. I wish we had similar movement in the US. But you might want to contact the TKF Foundation which sponsors the creation of Sacred Spaces . Though not necessarily silent they encourage the location of benches in quiet, contemplative places, and under each bench is a "log book" where people record their feelings and responses.

Liz Ware

12/7/2016 12:33:19 pm

Thank you for taking the time to read and to comment, Clare. I'm very happy to share feedback with anyone who would like to start up Silent Space in the US. It could help us all to deepen our connection with Nature.

I will contact TKF/Nature Sacred as you suggest. The participating gardens and I have been wondering about the best way to help visitors to respond. A 'log book' attached to a bench is an excellent idea.