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.

Groups

Woodland Wellbeing – A 10 week group created in collaboration with Forest of Avon Trust. Based in Manor Woods, Bishopsworth, we will be exploring our connection to nature and how this helps us to feel good, using a variety of outdoor nature practices, like fire building, spoon making, cooking, and nature crafts. This group is for 16-19.
Start date Tuesday 13th July 2021. Sign up at the top of the page.

Nature In The Streets – A 6 week group created in collaboration with Avon Gorge Wildlife Project. The Avon Gorge is an incredibly special nature reserve that belongs to all of us. Join us on a 6 week journey as we discover this part of Bristol, take inspiration from the surroundings and design a piece of street art to be exhibited in the City. Over the weeks we will be taken through the gorge, Clifton Downs and Leigh Woods, on a street art tour of the city, before spending some time designing our large scale piece of art. This group is for participants 19-25.
Final dates to be confirmed. Please register your interest at the sign up button at the top of the page.

New Roots Group for young people seeking asylum or have been displaced – Come along to this 10 week group at the New Roots Allotments in Speedwell to spend time in beautiful nature no matter the weather! There’s huge trees, a pond, flowers, herbs and lots of little birds. You can cook over an open fire, have a go at gardening, do some woodwork, get creative, or play games under the shelter – whatever you would like, the course will be guided by the group’s interests. This is a chance to unwind, step away from daily stresses, and spend some time connecting with nature and others who may be experiencing similar things to you. This group is for 15-19 year olds. This is for young people seeking asylum or have been displaced, for whom English is a second language. We will have an interpreter for the first few sessions. 
Start date Thursday 15th July, 4.30-6.30pm. Sign up at the top of the page.

Drop ins

At New Roots Garden drop in, you can expect activities as varied as pizza making and natural building to mindfulness practices and vegetable growing, pickling and preserving. Equally just being outdoors, around a fire, with a cuppa, is also very much encouraged. No previous experience needed whatsoever! This is for young people aged 16-25!
Drop ins run Wednesdays 4pm – 6.30pm. If you’d like more information, call or text Elsie on 07376004856. You are welcome to sign up or just drop in.

1:1 Therapy

Nature Works Therapy – Spending time in beautiful, tranquil places is in itself calming and stress-reducing and gives us more energy. Some young people find it helpful to be able to process their feelings while walking or sitting alongside a therapist in nature and talking. Nature Works offers therapy for young people aged between 11-18 who may be struggling with their mental health, and want to foster a connection to nature. We work with nature to support the therapy process. You will be signed up to a therapist who works outdoors, with the aim of meeting with them regularly over a period of 6-8 weeks.
Sign up here.