Growing with Nature

Well-being and wildlife

Spending time in outdoor green spaces has been proven to have a significant impact on our emotional, mental and physical health. In winter 2021-22, NWT created and delivered the ‘Growing with Nature’ project, a five-week programme offering adults (aged 25+) a safe space to engage in mindfulness-based activities in nature and learn new skills for life.

The programme was aimed at individuals who were struggling with their mental health and wanted like to try a new avenue of therapy in nature.

The group met on a weekly basis at NWT’s nature reserve, Northumberlandia (Cramlington), to participate in practical activities to educate themselves about the environment, nature and wildlife; learn forest and bush craft skills; and do mindfulness exercises. NWT staff supported participants and created a safe environment for them to take part.

How did participants benefit from the programme?

This experience helped them to:

• Improve connection to the natural world
• Learn about wildlife and nature
• Meet new people
• Develop new skills
• Take time to themselves in nature
• Improve confidence and self-esteem
• Be more active
• Enhance creativity
• Increase emotional, physical and/or mental health

The future of Growing With Nature

The project has now come to an end, but may restart if funding becomes available.