Look, then look again
Mindful photography for improved mental health and wellbeing
By Ruth Davey, Founder Director at Look Again
The National Arboretum at Westonbirt has always held a special place in my heart - a place of natural magic and mystery, a sanctuary of wonder and deep nature connection.
When I moved from London to Bristol in 1997, I began visiting regularly with friends. I had no idea that this would be the start of a long and evolving relationship with the Arboretum.
Later, when my son was young, I’d bundle him up and off we’d go. He loved to toddle about in the mud, always eager to get out of his buggy. My heart still lights up at the memory of him kicking through colourful leaves, and I’ll never forget the joy on his face during the Christmas winter lights show.
Now he’s 21 - and although he still enjoys walking in nature with me (I’m very blessed!) - my connection with the Arboretum has deepened professionally. It was one of the first places in the UK where I began offering mindful photography workshops, welcoming visitors of all ages. It proved the perfect setting to grow both my personal and professional approach. Workshop participants often asked thoughtful, sometimes challenging questions, which inspired me to develop the Look Again methodology more deeply.
Photo: A Look Again mindful photography workshop at the Arboretum back in 2018.
From Family Walks to Professional Practice
Some years later, I was honoured to be part of a Forestry England conference focused on exploring how places like the National Arboretum could support mental health and wellbeing through nature-based therapeutic interventions - not just in community contexts, but in workplace settings too.
It was a real joy to guide Forestry England’s HR team (from across the UK) through a session on connecting with the Arboretum in creative, mindful ways using photography. Participants came away with practices they could integrate into daily life - tools to support their mental health and wellbeing, both at home and at work.
Photo: The Forestry England HR team experiencing slowing down to see differently for their wellbeing.
Planting Seeds of Connection in Silk Wood
Most recently, Look Again was thrilled to offer two workshops as part of the Silk Wood Community Planting Project. This initiative is helping to replant an area of woodland affected by Ash Dieback, with the support of a wide range of community groups - from mental health organisations, to schools, families, and people with additional needs.
Photo: Workshop participants learning to look and really see. The most ordinary - a bit of wood chip - becomes extraordinary.
We offered workshops to Changes Bristol, which provides peer support groups for adults in Bristol and online, and Bristol Hospital Education Services, supporting teens who may experience anxiety, autism, or dyslexia.
Using the Look Again methodology, we slowed down and really looked - seeing the Silk Wood environment with fresh eyes. We explored meaningful themes such as:
- New perspectives
- Loss and change
- New life and beginnings
- Community and togetherness
- Diversity and inclusion
- Climate change, sustainability, and resilience
Photo: Workshop participants exploring what connection looks like - here by connecting with nature and with each other.
A particularly moving moment came when both groups stopped to reflect on the young trees planted in Silk Wood. Each tree has been individually nurtured, its unique needs carefully met. Planted together, they’ll grow stronger - and the symbolism wasn’t lost on anyone.
We’re all like those trees. We each need care and support. And when we come together, we can build inclusive, resilient communities where everyone can thrive.
Photo: The young trees at Silk Wood being nurtured and thriving together, symbolising the importance of care and connection.
An Invitation to look again
So next time you visit Westonbirt, slow down. Take your time to really look, and then look again. What’s in front of you? Behind you? Above, below, to your left and right? Trust that nature - whether it’s a tree, a leaf, or a shaft of light - will offer you a quiet teaching, just when you need it.
And remember: you don’t need to be at Westonbirt to do this. Looking again - seeing both the detail and the bigger picture - is something you can do wherever you are. At home, at work, in your local park, or just outside your front door.
If you’d like to find out more about how mindful photography can help in improving mental health and building resilience, visit: Look Again
About Ruth Davey:
Ruth Davey founded Look Again in 2012 to bring together her passion for photography with her experience of facilitation, training, project management and public speaking. She has lived experience of mental health challenges and neurodiversity. Ruth is a pioneer and leader in the growing field of mindful photography. She has trained people all over the world in the only evidence-based mindful photography methodology for improving mental health and wellbeing.
Ruth has been involved in ‘people and planet’ related work for over 30 years; international and community development, inner city regeneration, social justice and climate change. Her dream is to support and encourage people to use their vision, imagination and creativity to be seen for who they are, to tell their authentic stories, and to create future stories of hope - for themselves, others and the wider world.
Photo: Looking with laughter and light, together.