Vitamin V: Volunteering with TCV for a wellbeing boost

Tired of chasing the latest health trend? Every year, the wellness industry promises quick fixes: miracle supplements, expensive memberships, and endless hacks for a happier, healthier you. But what if the ultimate wellbeing boost was already on your doorstep? No gimmicks. No hefty price tag. Just fresh air, friendly faces, and the simple joy of making a difference.

We call it Vitamin V: Volunteering with The Conservation Volunteers. It’s the natural way to feel good, body and mind, while helping wildlife and communities thrive. Our mission is clear: Better nature for all. And that starts with you.

Why outdoor volunteering is a wellbeing game-changer

Volunteering with TCV often involves gentle to moderate physical activity such as planting trees, building paths, restoring ponds or growing food. These practical tasks help you move more, build strength and improve cardiovascular health, which the NHS links to lower risks of serious long-term health conditions. Even moderate activity improves mood, sleep and energy.

For busy people and those new to exercise, the simplest way to reap benefits is to make activity part of everyday life. Volunteering outdoors does exactly that. You will spend time moving, lifting, walking and working with tools in fresh air and sunlight, guided by trained leaders who keep things safe and inclusive.

Typical activities can include:

Planting and caring for native trees and hedges
Creating and maintaining wildlife habitats such as meadows and ponds
Improving paths and access so more people can enjoy local green spaces
Community food growing and gardening

The mental health boost of connecting with nature

Research shows that being in nature can reduce stress and anxiety, restore focus and lift mood. The Mental Health Foundation summarises a strong evidence base linking nature contact with improved psychological wellbeing.

TCV’s own programme, Green Gym™, has been studied by the University of Westminster and University of Essex. Participants reported significant improvements in mental wellbeing, with benefits sustained at 8.5 and 13 months for those who continued. In a related study featured by BBC’s Trust Me I’m A Doctor, Green Gym volunteers showed reduced anxiety and a healthier cortisol awakening response after just eight weeks.

Just 8 weeks of participation in TCV’s Green Gym showed clear enhancements in the cortisol awakening response, which is beneficial for health and well-being. Participants also reported marked reductions in anxiety, as well as reduced feelings of stress.
Professor Angela Clow, University of Westminster

That means Vitamin V is not just a feel-good slogan. It is a practical, evidence-based way to reduce stress, improve mood and build resilience, while doing something meaningful in your local community.

Volunteering with the Green Gym over the past year has been so beneficial for my mental health and wellbeing. After a period of ill health, my confidence was very low and I felt isolated and lonely. Becoming a part of the Green Gym, meeting new people and supporting wildlife really boosted my confidence.
Sophie, TCV Green Gym Volunteer

Working together for a common cause

Humans are social. Volunteering outside creates opportunities to meet and learn from friendly people of all ages and from all walks of life. Tackling a shared task for a common goal lifts mood and builds confidence. The NHS and public health guidance recognise how physical activity and social connection contribute positively to mental health, especially for those who are less active or feeling isolated.

Social connections for mental wellbeing | NHS inform
Be active for your mental health – Every Mind Matters – NHS

The social side of Vitamin V:

Meet and learn from friendly people of all ages and from all walks of life
Share breaks, stories and knowledge in a relaxed setting – with focus being on a common goal for wildlife, achieved together
See visible progress on the site, which boosts motivation and morale

The feel-good factor: making a tangible difference

Better nature for all, starting where you live. When you join TCV, your efforts help create, protect and improve green spaces for wildlife and people. You can see and feel the difference as we move through the seasons – from planting in winter to seeing wildflowers bloom in summer and, of course, the joy of seeing first-hand a bumper harvest in autumn.

Whether planting a hedge at a school, sowing wildflowers in a park or helping a community garden thrive, every action contributes to a healthier, more biodiverse environment and a happier community.

Social proof: what volunteers say

Our annual volunteer surveys show the impact of Vitamin V:

99% rate their experience as excellent or good
93% say their wellbeing has improved
94% feel more connected to nature
85% feel more connected to their local community
94% have learned new skills

Source: TCV Volunteer Survey 2025

Who is volunteering with TCV for?

TCV connects people with nature, where everyone is welcome! Whether you’re looking for a personal health boost, a chance to learn new skills, or a meaningful team day for your organisation, there’s a place for you in our network of community green spaces.

Individuals and community volunteers

If you want to feel fitter, less stressed and more connected, start with a local TCV session. Activities are accessible, guided and flexible, whether you are new to conservation or already handy with a spade.

How to begin:

Find your nearest opportunity at tcv.org.uk/find-tcv
Choose an activity that suits your interests and schedule
Contact the local team before attending your first session
Turn up ready to learn and enjoy being outdoors
Keep coming back as often as you like!

CSR, ESG and HR wellbeing leads

Vitamin V is also for teams. For employers, TCV’s Corporate Volunteering Days are a proven way to boost morale, connect teams with local communities and support ESG goals through practical, measurable impact. TCV has decades of experience delivering safe, enjoyable days across the UK, tailored to your organisation.

A TCV Corporate Volunteering Day is a meaningful, morale-boosting way to support employee wellbeing, biodiversity and community benefit, backed by expert facilitation, safety and impact reporting.

Arrange a Corporate Volunteering Day with the team here.

Vitamin V is a simple idea with powerful results. By moving more, connecting with nature and working together on practical tasks, you give your body and mind a natural lift while making a visible difference for local communities and wildlife. If you are looking for a healthier, happier year, start where you live and feel the benefits right away.