Nature Connects

Nature Connects is a new Cornish Community Interest Company with a big vision-

To engage with the transformative power of nature to grow a happier, healthier society.

Nature connection for people adversely affected by Coronavirus including carers, key workers and those who may be socially isolated

Imagine a world where people felt more connected-to themselves, to others and to their natural surroundings. Where we took the time to smell the flowers, listen to the dawn chorus, taste wild food, laugh and share time together.

Where we can talk about our hopes, fears and dreams for our futures, and supported each other in the individual way each of us might need. 

For some of us, who have been lucky enough, Coronavirus and lockdown have given us a glimpse into what that world might look and feel like - we’ve taken our hours daily exercise exploring a natural space nearby, we’ve supported or been supported in our communities to make sure no one goes without and that we all get what we need- physically and emotionally. Those of us that have experienced this have found resoundingly positive results:

Sadly, for many people this has not been the case. Lockdown, itself, has been linked to an increase in the frequency and severity of mental health issues, particularly for those with no outdoor natural space nearby, or those unable to take the time due to their caring or work responsibilities.

For some ‘getting into nature’ can be difficult for a variety of reasons- accessibility, fear, health issues, finances, not knowing what to do when they get there, transport, etc. 

For those people, nature based programmes, held by experienced and knowledgeable facilitators, are shown through academic and scientific research, to have many benefits. 

These include:

• An increased sense of emotional well-being
• Improved physical health- reduced blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, promotes better sleep, and decreases production of stress hormones
• A deeper sense of connection to self, others and nature
• A decrease in the use of anti-depressants
• Lower demand for mainstream health services through increased ability to self-manage emotional/physical health
• Increased confidence and self esteem
• A different more positive outlook on life and the future
• increased social connections through groups and activities

There is also evidence to show that connection to nature increases the chances of us making more positive choices to protect our natural world. A win-win personally, socially and environmentally.

We will currently offer one off and 6 week programmes of Nature Connection and Adult Forest School for Health and Wellbeing. These are run from Trefewha Farm, Praze An Beeble and Cornwall Wildlife Trust HQ, Allet, Truro. We are also looking to run sessions in the Falmouth area.

We offer either 1:1 or group sessions. We choose activities that are appropriate to the needs of the groups or individuals taking part.

Our sessions include nature connection practices such as nature-based mindfulness and sensory based activities and we create a supportive environment for people to talk. They also include a range of practical skills such as plant and wildlife identification, games and natural crafts, survival skills such as fire-making, foraging and plant medicine. 

There will be different themes explored at each session but, we will have routines that become part of a participants regular practice, which form the core of each of them and these include solo time in nature, nature based groundings and time sharing in circle

NATURE Connects wants to make sure that for everyone who wants it nature-based therapies are consistently available and accessible.