The Churn Project

Supporting Wellbeing Through Nature: FoWA Funds Community Visits to Westonbirt

Thanks to funding from Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum (FoWA), The Churn Project was able to organise a series of meaningful group visits to Westonbirt Arboretum, bringing the restorative power of nature to people who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to visit.

The Churn Project is a Cirencester-based community charity supporting people of all ages who are experiencing loneliness, poor wellbeing, mental health challenges, or life transitions. With FoWA’s support, four group trips took place during October and November, welcoming families, young people, community wellbeing groups and older adults to the Arboretum.

These visits had a clear and positive impact. Participants reported reduced social isolation, improved mental wellbeing, and increased confidence to take part in activities beyond their usual routines. Spending time in a calm, natural environment helped strengthen social connections, encouraged conversation and created shared experiences that many described as uplifting and memorable.

The trips also raised awareness of Westonbirt as an accessible and welcoming outdoor space, inspiring participants to return independently or with friends and family. For The Churn Project staff, the experience reinforced the value of nature-based activities in supporting wellbeing across all age groups and will help shape future programmes.

FoWA’s funding enabled these visits to take place at no cost to participants, removing financial and practical barriers and ensuring everyone could fully benefit from the experience. This partnership is a wonderful example of how Westonbirt Arboretum can play a vital role in supporting local communities and improving wellbeing through nature.

Thank you to all FoWA members whose continued support makes projects like this possible.