Social Forestry

Roots to Rise - Woodland Wellbeing Project

Building resilience and resources for anxiety and stress in a nature based environment.

Research has shown that time spent in nature and woodlands is so important and effective at improving wellbeing and activities that make people active are also essential to improving wellbeing. We know that building relationships is key to improving mental health. Our nature-based work will enable us to support young people who have been isolated or have anxiety issues through positive experiences with each other and rooted in their connection with the environment.  

Nature Connection is a regular, structured activity that:

• is led by trained professionals (sometimes therapists), who are there to support you

• focuses on doing an activity, rather than on your health

• takes place in a green environment

• is related to exploring and appreciating the natural world

• involves spending time with other people, although you can always choose to interact at your own pace.

The Apricot Centre’s Roots to Rise - Woodland Wellbeing  Project helps young people and their families affected by stress, anxiety and mental health issues whether this is due to life experiences, trauma, being in the care industry, ecoanxiety,  bereavement or a stress response.   We help by actively encouraging them to reconnect with nature, find their voice, rediscover the art of play and return to being part of a community again. Whilst helping to improve physical, emotional and mental health, unlike traditional support groups we are looking to provide the attendees the opportunity to build resilience and resources so that they may build memory pathways to help themselves and improve wellbeing without the need for another person.  Building memory pathways connected to nature means that this work can be called upon and used in any natural setting whether this is a garden, a park, woodland or simply looking out of their window.

See below for our next event and download a flyer:

Nature Connection FAQs