Nature Works engages young people in a range of nature-based therapeutic practices and offers opportunities to take action to protect our planet – and feel hopeful for its future.

People of all ages say they get a great deal out of being outdoors. Spending time in beautiful, tranquil places is in itself very calming and stress-reducing. Alongside this, trying new things, gaining new skills and learning ways to relax in the outdoors can be hugely uplifting and provide an invaluable opportunity to improve our confidence, self-esteem and resilience.

Since the Coronavirus pandemic, many people have been able to experience the therapeutic power of being outdoors. We are interacting with nature in every moment, from the air we breathe, to the food we eat. Nature is always supporting us, providing us with clean air, inspiring us with its beauty, encouraging us to connect with the landscape. At Nature Works, we want to offer young people a multitude of different ways to connect with nature.

Drop ins

We’ve had to make the difficult decision not to re-open the Nature Works drop-in, but we are providing a range of sign-up programmes – check this page for updates or register for interest above, and we’ll get in touch as soon as new programmes are open for sign-ups.

Projects

Next Green woodworking group 3rd September – October 8th ( 6 weeks ) Signs up will be opened nearer the time.

Nature Works and Art Works sit within OTR’s Community Partnerships Team. These projects are designed to offer you an alternative approach to mental health care. We want to offer a wide breadth of services to ensure that you can feel empowered and in control of your health and wellbeing, on your own terms.

We recognise that some young people face barriers to accessing mental health support, and so we actively encourage and invite young people from working class backgrounds, young people with disabilities, young men, young people with experience of care, young people for whom English is a second language, LGBTQ+ young people and young people of colour to our service. Please let us know if you are struggling to access support, for whatever reason, and we will try to support you to overcome those barriers. For example, we can work with interpreters, support you with route planning to get to the project, or offer additional emotional support.

We look forward to welcoming you to one of our projects soon!

"I loved axing wood the most - at first I couldn’t do it but I kept trying and now I am really good"

"Exploring Boiling Wells was really exciting, especially sleeping in a tent. It was my first night away from home but everyone made me feel safe"

"Usually it is hard for me to wake her up, but every morning she was up before me! Meeting new people has given her a massive confidence boost and she is much more open minded when trying new things"

Parent

"This is the best thing I’ve ever done! I joined a nature works course in the first lockdown and it’s changed my life completely. Also the continuation group is amazing and full of like-minded people I’m so happy to be a part of it!"