Nature and mental health
Explains how nature can help your mental health. Gives tips and ideas to try, and suggests where to go for more information.
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Useful contacts
Where else could I try?
We've collected together some useful contacts in the following areas:
The Conservation Volunteers (TCV)
tcv.org.uk
Runs conservation activities and a network of Green Gyms across the UK.
Grow Wild
growwilduk.com (English)
growwilduk.com/cy (Welsh)
Kew Gardens outreach initiative that aims to bring people together to enjoy wildflowers and nature.
National Allotment Society
nsalg.org.uk
National organisation that upholds the rights and interests of the UK's allotment community.
Social Farms & Gardens
farmgarden.org.uk
Information on care farming and community growing projects, including a network of local farms.
Bumblebee Conservation Trust
bumblebeeconservation.org
Aims to protect and raise awareness of bumblebees.
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)
rspca.org.uk
Animal charity working to prevent cruelty and promote kindness to animals in England and Wales.
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
rspb.org.uk
Campaigning and conservation projects to protect wildlife and restore habitats.
Canal and River Trust
canalrivertrust.org.uk (English)
canalrivertrust.org.uk/cymraeg (Welsh)
Looks after canals, rivers and locks in England and Wales.
Forestry England
forestryengland.uk
Works to protect England's woods and forests. Includes a searchable directory.
National Garden Scheme
ngs.org.uk
Lists gardens and walks open to the public across England and Wales.
National Trust
nationaltrust.org.uk
Lists walks and open gardens, parks and estates that you can visit.
Natural Resources Wales (Cyfoeth Naturiol)
naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
Oversees and protects natural sites in Wales.
Black Girls Hike
bghuk.com
Provides a safe space for Black women to explore the outdoors. Hosts nationwide group hikes, outdoor activity days and training events.
Mind over Mountains
mindovermountains.org.uk
Offers mental health support through organised walking and hiking events in the UK.
Ramblers
ramblers.org.uk
Supports people throughout England and Wales to spend time walking outdoors, through its programmes and community. You can search for wellbeing walks near you.
Groundwork
groundwork.org.uk
Aims to help improve local communities and provides details of volunteering opportunities.
The Wildlife Trusts
wildlifetrusts.org
Organisation made up of local membership groups which care for nature sites.
This information was published in November 2021. We will revise it in 2024.
References and bibliography available on request.
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