Growing Wellbeing Through Nature: Our Journey with Swindon Mind
At the Silkwood Community Planting Project, groups come together to volunteer their time, planting and caring for trees. But it’s also a chance to slow down, and grow deeper connections with nature.
Since April, one particular group, Swindon Mind, has become frequent visitors to the project, participating in a series of monthly Wellbeing in Nature workshops. A group of adults supported by the charity have been introduced to the benefits of spending time in nature to promote mental wellbeing.
Photo: Getting creative! Drawing leaves, exploring their colours, patterns and textures.
Participants have explored the arboretum through a series of themed activities. Senses sessions encouraged engagement with the woodland using sound, sight, smell and touch, tuning in with the natural rhythms of the environment. Identifying trees, leaf patterns and fractals sparked curiosity about structures found in nature.
Discovering histories of individual trees allowed participants to appreciate the lifespans and legacy of trees and the wider environment. Gathering around firepits created a safe space to share personal stories about their experiences with nature and take time for reflection. Searching for species including moss, lichen and butterflies along with creating small mammal footprint tunnels allowed participants to discover hidden wildlife within the arboretum.
Photo: Safely building firepits
Providing continued care for trees through watering and mulching created a sense of purpose for the participants. One of the most important take-aways for participants was giving them the confidence and knowledge of how they could continue these mindful practises independently in their day to day lives. Spending time outside each day, exploring local accessible green spaces and continuing simple mindfulness activities all helps to promote mental wellbeing and connections with the natural world.
Photo: Mulching saplings with woodchip.
All sessions were responsive to participant feedback and tailored to ensure everyone felt safe, included, and able to engage meaningfully with the activities. These workshops have helped participants feel part of something bigger, a project that restores not only ancient woodland but also a sense of purpose and wellbeing. As one participant reflected, “It reminds me to appreciate it (nature)… even when things are difficult there are things to appreciate”. Another expressed, “I find it grounding, you step outdoors and it puts everything into perspective”.
Photo: Using species ID guides to find out more about butterflies.
Our Engagement Officer, Meg, who designed and delivered these sessions shared, “It’s been such a joy running these sessions and spending time with the participants over so many months. Watching people become calmer, more confident, and more curious during their time at the arboretum has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned so much too! Working with such a diverse group has encouraged me to try all sorts of new and interesting activities. It’s fascinating to see how differently people connect with nature, and how much care and curiosity they show when given the space to appreciate it". It’s evident that there is always space to nurture your own wellbeing and expand your connections with nature.
Through shared experiences and repeat visits, many participants have built lasting connections, with the arboretum, with each other, and nature restoration.
Photo: Working as a group to identify trees, looking for the finer details.
Image credits: Sam Roberts
