A pioneering therapeutic garden is marking 30 years of providing mental health support.

Bridewell Gardens, a  6.5 acre walled garden and five-acre vineyard site in Wilcote, near Witney, is part of the Oxfordshire Mental Health Partnership and receives referrals through Oxford Health, GPs, and voluntary sector organisations.

The service works with 70-90 people each year who have experienced serious mental ill health including diagnoses of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression.

In the last 12 months 48 per cent of people moving on from Bridewell have returned to paid employment and volunteering.

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The service has launched an ambitious fundraising campaign for a new £160k project within the gardens, including an overhaul of crumbling infrastructure, a new year-round activity space and outdoor kitchen and a new polytunnel to increase production of plants.

Rachel Green, of Bridewell Gardens, said: "Bridewell offers a structured working day in a supportive environment and provides time and space for people to work towards recovery.

"The primary activity is managing and maintaining the garden, with opportunities to practice willow weaving, blacksmithing, woodwork, and cooking using food grown in the garden.

"Open year-round, Bridewell Gardens offers a range of activities, trips and support designed to foster better mental health and social engagement."

She added: "The team extends their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to these 30 years of growing and nurturing."