Wellbeing in Nature

Credit: Trudy Lewis

Swindon Wellbeing Programme

The Wellbeing Programme provides nature-based activities for people living with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, low mood and stress. Participants get involved in conservation work, wildlife walks and nature-based crafts. Research shows that this type of outdoor activity can be beneficial to both mental and physical wellbeing. Sessions are delivered in line with government and public health guidelines.

Wellbeing in Swindon

The programme in Swindon started running in 2017 thanks to funding from the Big Lottery Fund and we are pleased to have secured further funding to continue the programme. The programme provides nature-based activities for people struggling with their mental health.

Swindon Wellbeing

12 weeks + ongoing support
for adults experiencing poor mental health or social isolation
Activities include wildlife walks, habitat conservation, nature inspired arts and crafts, mindfulness in nature
ongoing support into community groups including travel support and group transitions
Peer support from volunteers with lived experience.

Our Swindon Wellbeing programme offers adults a chance to connect with nature, each other, and themselves in a supportive, small group setting. Through activities like habitat conservation, mindfulness in nature, whittling, nature inspired crafts, and wildlife walks, we create a space to unwind, build confidence, and find joy and calm outdoors.

After this 12 week programme, we support participants to move into longer-term community opportunities— local volunteering and wellbeing projects run by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and other organisations. This could include travelling with participants for the first few times to help build confidence. Our aim is to support people to feel safe in their own communities and to inspire and support them to care for and enjoy the green spaces on their doorsteps.

For more information about the programme and to join email wellbeing@wiltshirewildlife.org.

I am doing the things that my specialist was encouraging me to do, like getting out and about, that I didn’t have the confidence to do before.

The programme has opened my eyes to local green spaces. Being in nature is better than being on medication.

The Wellbeing Programme is different to other mental health groups... because you’re outdoors and you can look at what’s around you – the trees, the flowers, the fields. It also makes you feel like you’ve done a good thing – we’ve helped nature, we’ve made a positive contribution, and it’s been enjoyable.