“Spending time in the natural environment – as a resident or a visitor – improves our mental health and feelings of wellbeing. It can reduce stress, fatigue, anxiety and depression. It can help boost immune systems, encourage physical activity and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as asthma. It can combat loneliness and bind communities together.”
A wide range of activities, events and groups are running in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, many of which are free and beneficial to our physical and mental wellbeing. Explore the list below to find those running nearby and the organisations that are running them.
Organisations on Well Aware to help improve wellbeing through nature:
Bradley Stoke Green Gyms: TCV Green Gym is a program that encourages you to improve both your health and the environment. Experienced leaders guide you through various hands-on projects. You’ll have the chance to take on physical tasks outdoors. This helps build your strength and stamina, enhances your practical skills and confidence, and benefits local green spaces.
St Werburghs City Farm: St Werburghs City Farm connects people through land, nature and food. Each year, they engage 60,000 people in spaces and services that build resilience, reduce isolation and strengthen community.
Windmill Hill City Farm: Windmill Hill City Farm aims to improve the lives of local people through its services and facilities. It runs activities for people with health and social care needs, gives opportunities for personal development through courses and volunteering and hosts other organisations with similar aims and services.
Bristol Nordic Walking: Explore beautiful parks in Bristol, such as The Downs, Ashton Court, Blaise, Oldbury Court, Rainbow Woods, and Victoria Park. Enjoy the outdoors and experience the powerful, calming effects of nature. Being in nature is an excellent therapy for the mind.
Wildpace: WildPace offers online well-being in nature sessions to enjoy the benefits of nature connection. Nature connection relaxes and restores us, boosting well-being and improving our resilience, mood, and feelings.
Orchard and Woodland Group – Based at Lawrence Weston Community Farm; spend time outdoors, making friends, learning new skills and having fun. Together, you can look after the farm’s orchard and woodland—a chance to prune, coppice, weed, harvest and nature-watch.
Other useful resources:
The Blue Care
Our blue spaces (rivers, lakes, canals, and shores) provide wonderful opportunities to be active outdoors, supporting our physical and mental well-being while having fun and meeting new people along the way.
This guide celebrates the great outdoor water-based activities on our doorstep in the West of England.
Discover green spaces in Kingswood & Patchway with these Green Space Maps:
Off the Record
OTR is a mental health social movement by and for young people aged 11-25 living in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
They offer many projects that connect nature and outdoor activities with improving wellbeing. Nature Works engages young people in various nature-based therapeutic practices. It also provides opportunities to protect our planet and feel hopeful about its future. Ride Out Ride On is a cycling project for those aged 11-25. It aims to bring the joy of cycling to individuals who, due to mobility issues like disabilities or long-term health conditions, cannot ride otherwise.
For more details, check out ‘Nature Works‘ and ‘Cycling with RORO‘.
