In early 2002 ninety-three older people in Carlisle volunteered to take part in the Cultivating Health Project (CHP), a two year in-depth study, which included an intervention over nine months from January to November that year. The project, funded by the former NHS Executive - Northern and Yorkshire, was set up as part of the 'Healthy Ageing' initiative. The aim was to study the effects of different activities on the health and mental well-being of people aged over 65 of age, especially those who are materially disadvantaged. In particular, the study was designed to compare the relative health benefits of gardening versus social activity.