People of all ages say they get a great deal out of being outdoors. Spending time in beautiful, tranquil places is in itself very calming and stress-reducing. Alongside this, trying new things, gaining new skills and learning ways to relax in the outdoors can be hugely uplifting and provide an invaluable opportunity to improve our confidence, self-esteem and resilience.

Since the Coronavirus pandemic, many people have been able to experience the therapeutic power of being outdoors. We are interacting with nature in every moment, from the air we breathe, to the food we eat. Nature is always supporting us, providing us with clean air, inspiring us with its beauty, encouraging us to connect with the landscape. At Nature Works, we want to offer young people a multitude of different ways to connect with nature.

Drop ins

We’ve had to make the difficult decision not to re-open the Nature Works drop-in, but we are providing a range of sign-up programmes – check this page for updates or register for interest above, and we’ll get in touch as soon as new programmes are open for sign-ups.

Ongoing Projects

Youth Climate Action Group

It is for anyone aged 11-20 who wants to learn about environmental & social justice, connect with nature and take action for the climate in their city, as part of a group of young people. If you have any questions or would like to talk through anything before signing up, get in touch with our Nature Works Coordinator, Max – you can drop them an email (maxc@otrbristol.org.uk) or a text (07943756151). 

• 🌳 The Ardagh (in Horfield Common), Off Kellaway Avenue, BS6 7YL
• 🕝 4.30-6.30 pm
• 📆 Starting Feb 1st until the end of May. You can sign up/join after the programme starts! 

Sign Up here!

Green woodworking

Green woodworking at Bridge Farm is for young people aged 16-25, running twice a year. Next coming up: March 5th – April 9th 

• 🌳 Bridge Farm
• 🕝 2.30-5 pm
• 📆 Tuesdays, Starting March 5th – April 9th 

Sign Up here!

Nature Sanctuary

If you are between the ages of 16-25, seeking asylum in Bristol or a refugee, and wanting to spend time outdoors, this project is for you!

• 🌳 Strawberry Lane Community Garden
• 🕝 2-5 pm
• 📆 Wednesdays, Starting March 13th – April 3rd 

Sign Up here!

Birdwatching

If you are between 16-25 years old, living in Bristol or South Glos, and interested in birdwatching or spending time outdoors, this project is for you!

• 🌳 William Champion’s Garden, Warmley, BS30 8XY
• 🕝 2-4 pm
• 📆 Tuesdays, Starting April 9th 

Sign Up here!

Nature Works, Sport Works, and Art Works sit within OTR’s Community Partnerships Team. These projects are designed to offer you an alternative approach to mental health care. We want to offer a wide breadth of services to ensure that you can feel empowered and in control of your health and wellbeing, on your own terms.

We recognise that some young people face barriers to accessing mental health support, and so we actively encourage and invite young people from working class backgrounds, young people with disabilities, young men, young people with experience of care, young people for whom English is a second language, LGBTQ+ young people and young people of colour to our service. Please let us know if you are struggling to access support, for whatever reason, and we will try to support you to overcome those barriers. For example, we can work with interpreters, support you with route planning to get to the project, or offer additional emotional support.

We look forward to welcoming you to one of our projects soon!