Somerset Nature Connections

The Somerset Nature Connections project aimed to tackle some of the barriers that prevent people experiencing the health and wellbeing benefits of Somerset’s spectacular natural environment. Somerset Nature Connections sought to help people access these natural spaces, with a focus on supporting mental wellbeing and physical activity.

Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, the partnership project with the Somerset Wildlife Trust, Mendip Hills, Quantock Hills and Blackdown Hills National Landscapes supported local communities and individuals most vulnerable to mental health issues, providing better access to nature spaces to encouraging and increasing self-management for individuals, and develop a network of skilled volunteers who can support communities for the longer term.

The course was aimed to support people who may be experiencing mild to moderate mental ill health. Sessions were available to both those who have a mental health diagnosis, and those who did not. People experiencing mental health issues were referred by health and wellbeing partners or people were able to self-refer (via a Facebook group). People attended for half a day each week, and sessions involved wellbeing interventions such as groundings, sit spots and reflections/check-ins, as well as practical, outdoor activities adapted to the needs of each group.

Activities included wildlife walks, conservation tasks, and natural crafts. People were encouraged to work together in small groups, for mutual support and to enable longer-term relationships to develop.