Helping Everyone Benefit from Nature

At Forest of Avon, we recognise that nature isn’t just a pretty backdrop; it’s a healer, a stress-reliever, and a community builder.

That’s why we’ve been running inclusive woodland activities since 2011, designed to directly benefit people with mental and physical health needs, and supporting carers. As well as nature supporting human health, research shows that having a strong sense of nature-connection encourages pro-environmental behaviour.

Health and wellbeing benefits from nature

There’s strong evidence that nature connection is integral to physical and mental health and our activities have led to measurable improvements in participants’ health and wellbeing. Research and our own experiences show that spending time in nature can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. But that’s not all—our participants also enjoy the added benefits of social connections and peer support. They connect with others, find joy in sensory experiences, and rediscover the simple pleasures of nature.

health and wellbeing activity

Our experienced team of Health & Wellbeing Practitioners, skilled associates, and volunteers bring these programs to life, using Forest School principles and the NHS’s Five Ways to Wellbeing: Be Active, Notice, Connect, Keep Learning, and Give Back

We run groups for people with differing needs:

  • Dementia groups for people living with dementia and their family carers
  • Forest Fridays for people with complex mental health needs
  • Woodland Wellbeing for people with learning disabilities

“It’s much better for your health being outside. It’s not good to be inside and shutting yourself away. It always feels better to be out.”

Participant at dementia group

“I felt so low this morning, but I feel so much better after some exercise”

Participant at Forest Friday

“After sessions, I’ve felt uplifted for several days.”

Participant at Forest Friday

“I made fire like a boss”

Child at Easter activities camp

“It’s really lovely to hear R laughing. It makes me really happy to hear it… I haven’t seen or heard him laugh like this for a long time.”

Carer of someone with dementia

“I find the group gives me a sense of purpose. I feel welcomed and the shared knowledge gives me hope”

Forest Friday participant

“Being out here has made me feel so much better. You make my world go round.”

Participant with dementia

Dementia Wellbeing Groups

Since 2016, our Bristol dementia wellbeing project has been a lifeline for people with dementia and their supporters. Our groups help people live well with dementia and do things that they perhaps no longer have opportunities to do.

They also provide support and respite for carers. Sessions are tailored to participants’ needs and interests, offering activities such as short walks, foraging, cooking over an open fire, arts and crafts, or simply listening to the birds.

In 2022, the programme expanded to support people in South Gloucestershire in addition to our two Bristol groups.

In Bristol we work with partner and commissioner Bristol Dementia Wellbeing Service. Our South Gloucestershire group in Yate is supported by Best Life.

Forest Fridays mental health group

Forest Fridays are weekly gatherings for individuals with complex and enduring mental health needs.

These meet-ups evolve with the seasons: winter is for practical volunteering to boost self-care, resilience and increase physical activity, while spring to autumn brings foraging, cooking, wildlife surveys, arts and crafts, and mindful activities.

Forest Friday is supported by Bristol Community Rehabilitation Service which refers into the group. It’s commissioned by Second Step/Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.

Woodland Wellbeing for adults with learning disabilities

Our Woodland Wellbeing groups have been a cornerstone since 2011, specifically designed for people with learning disabilities who may have limited access to spending time in green spaces. These sessions take place in public woodland areas, empowering participants to revisit these spaces independently.

Activities range from conservation projects and skill-building for work to sensory exploration and environmental arts and crafts. All our sessions incorporate elements that foster a connection to nature and promote self-care, aiming to build confidence and wellbeing.

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