Nature, Nurture, Nourish
Our project Nature, Nurture, Nourish, begun in Summer 2021 and is running until 2023, with the aim of increasing nature connectedness and wellbeing across the Trust for our volunteers.
We are grateful to have received funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to make this happen.
The three key areas of activity are volunteering, supported volunteering and training.
Key areas of progress so far
- Employment of a Volunteer Co-ordinator, vital in creating a connected community for our 550 volunteers.
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Employment of an Outdoor Wellbeing Officer to support and signpost those volunteers with a higher level of need - within Herefordshire Wildlife Trust and if necessary to externally.
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Induction of four Volunteer Trainee Reserves Officers. The next generation of Conservationists, who are working towards managing conservation work parties, building self-confidence and Leadership skills.
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All staff and lead volunteers have been trained in Mental Health First Aid.
The Forest Wellbeing Garden
Volunteers Sue, Gail and Andy at the Forest Wellbeing Garden
Our Forest Wellbeing Garden is a place where volunteers who need additional support can engage in wildlife activities, often for the first time, in a safe and supportive environment.
Research indicates that those who are less connected with Nature at the beginning of a programme, show a greater increase in connectedness which leads to a greater increase in pro environmental behaviour and wellbeing compared to those who already had a good connection with Nature. (In a study by University of Derby combining data from five years from people participating in 30 Days Wild.)
Supporting and Engaging our Volunteers
Volunteers at Baynton Wood, Lugg Meadows
One of the ways we support and engage our volunteers is through our Communications - sending out regular newsletters and sharing blogs written by volunteers about their roles.
The Project Staff Team
Sarah King, Community Engagement and Volunteering Officer, Herefordshire Wildlife Trust
Sarah King – Volunteer Coordinator
Sarah is the first point of call for new volunteers looking to join the Trust and she supports existing volunteers through organising events and communications
Julia Morton - Engagement Manager
Julia manages all aspects of the Nature, Nurture, Nourish Project including the other staff members and the budget. Julia ensures that we are reaching project aims and goals.
Julia says about the project: “It is increasingly recognised that spending time outdoors, in nature, is good for our health and wellbeing. The Trust has run programmes in the past which have demonstrated this, and this funding is enabling us to create a project which brings all our experience together and embed this philosophy into everything we do.”