Robinswood Hill (c) Nathan Millar
Nature Nurtures
Connecting children with nature to improve their wellbeing
What is Nature Nurtures?
Nature Nurtures is a project that was started in 2021 at Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. It is run by Katie Hall, the current Project Officer. Funded by the NHS, through the Gloucestershire Local Nature Partnership, the project consists of weekly outdoor sessions for children ages 5-15 in eight-week blocks running in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and the Forest of Dean.
The project aims to provide a safe space for children and young people who struggle with their mental health. This could be anything from separation anxiety or having big emotions to struggling to make friends.
As society is becoming less and less connected to nature and with mental health issues in children on the rise, this project has become an important tool to help children reconnect with themselves, others and the natural world. We have seen transformative results with children making friends for the first time in years, feeling safe, and getting their spark of happiness back again.
What do the sessions look like?
Each week as a relaxed hour and a half session which has a different theme each week, ranging from nature art to birds. We always start each session with 10 minutes of nature journalling to allow the children time to settle and process how they are feeling. We then do various activities such as pond dipping, bug hunts, crafts, and even a campfire!
Nature Nurtures at Home
Nature Nurtures at Home is a side project which was set up in 2026. It was designed as a way for families to stay connected to nature and mindfulness outside of the structured sessions that Nature Nurtures runs.
Activity ideas get sent out weekly for families to follow in their own time at home. The could be activities like making a bird feeder, playing nature bingo, doing a litter pick or doing arts and crafts. These are all centred around different themes throughout the year for example Creativity in Nature, Outdoor Adventure or Growth and Exploration.
The idea is that it makes nature and mindfulness as accessible as possible and can engage a wider audience.
What’s on?
As a part of Nature Nurtures at Home, we are running large scale events as an opportunity for families to come together and connect with each other and nature. These events are free of charge and open to all ages. The next Family Fun Day is on 5th August at Crickley Hill
Nature Nurtures runs regular sessions across the county. Sessions run in blocks of eight consecutive weeks either after school or on Saturdays.
Want more information?
If you would like to enquire about Nature Nurtures sessions, or Nature Nurtures at Home, please contact Katie Hall our Nature Nurtures project Officer on naturenurtures@gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk
If you would like to sign up to receive our Nature Nurtures at Home regular updates, fill out the form below.
Comments from previous families
“This has pushed her out of her comfort zone and its been lovely knowing she can connect to nature to help her wellbeing.”
“My child’s confidence has improved, he feels more relaxed and happy with himself after each session.”
“The sessions are extremely well organised. I feel very confident that the leaders will look after the kids. They have had fun, that says a lot!”
“I would 100% recommend Nature Nurtures to friends and family.”
