Nature Based Activities
Being in nature can support our mental wellbeing in lots of ways, from improving your mood and relieving stress and anger.
MIND have put together the following resource explaining the benefits in more detail. They also include some useful suggestions of things that you can try: Nature and Mental Health – MIND pdf
There are also lots of organisations working locally – have a look through the list below.
Cae Felin CSA
Cae Felin offer open volunteer sessions providing inclusive access to nature for everyone.
Based on Gower, Swansea.
Clydach Community Garden
Clydach Community Garden is a nature friendly green space in the heart of the community.
Email: clydachcommunitygarden@gmail.com
Based in Clydach, Swansea.
Coed Lleol / Small Woods
Coed Lleol / Small Woods help to improve the health and wellbeing of people across Wales through woodland and nature-based activities.
Based across Swansea and NPT.
Coeden Fach Tree Nursery
Coeden Fach is a community led organisation growing native species of trees. It is a great place to volunteer and learn new skills.
Based on Gower, Swansea.
Down to Earth Project
Down to Earth offer relationship-centred and meaningful, outdoor experiences. They do this through innovative and inclusive approaches, such as: building with natural materials, sustainable land management and education programmes.
Based on Gower, Swansea.
Dryad Bushcraft & Wilderness Courses
Dryad Bushcraft offers a range of activity survival courses dedicated to personal development and teambuilding skills.
Based on Gower, Swansea.
The Environment Centre
The Environment Centre encourage and facilitate activity that helps protect our environment and tackle the challenges of plastic pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
Based in Swansea.
Forest School SNPT
Forest School Swansea Neath Port Talbot, the vision of Awi Frances, was established in 2001 as a Charity and Company Limited by Guarantee aiming to provide Forest School opportunities for children and young people across the whole of Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.
Our aims are to raise self-esteem and self-confidence, as well as increase awareness and appreciation of the natural environment.
Good Thymes Gardening CIC
Good Thymes Gardening is a wellbeing through garden social enterprise, supporting our community with their mental heath and wellbeing by engaging with nature and gardening.
Email: wellbeing@goodthymesgardening.com
Based in Swansea.
Gower Flax
Gower Flax is a community interest company (CIC). Their focus is on researching and creating a sustainable model for the growth of regenerative textile system in Wales.
Based on Gower, Swansea.
Gower Unearthed
Gower Unearthed offers workshops and guided walks providing a unique and exciting educational experience based on the myths, legends and natural history of Gower.
Based on Gower, Swansea.
Uplands Living Streets
Uplands Living Streets is a volunteer-run local group, campaigning and collaborating for a greener, cleaner, happier and more walkable Uplands and Brynmill in Swansea.
Based in Swansea.
Muddy Care / Gofal Fwdlyd CIC
Muddy Care is an outdoor education, ecotherapy, rehabilitation not-for-profit company. They specialise in promoting holistic health and wellbeing for people suffering with chronic medical conditions and long covid.
Based in Powys
National Trust
Expand your skills and meet new people when you volunteer with the National Trust. Help care for nature and history for many others to enjoy.
Based throughout Wales.
Nextdoor Nature
Nextdoor Nature is bringing communities together to help nature flourish where they live and work.
Based Nationally
The Outdoor Partnership
The Outdoor Partnership work to support people of Wales and across the rest of the UK to take up outdoor activities as a life-long pursuit.
Based across Swansea and NPT
Petallica Flower Farm
Every Friday morning Petallica Flower Farm host a ‘Women’s Shed’ where local women get together at the farm to help out with the flower growing process.
Based on Gower, Swansea.
Royal Horticultural Society
From sprucing up your community, sharing your passion for plants or taking action for wildlife – help The Royal Horticultural Society to inspire everyone to grow.
Based Nationally
Summit Good
Their vision is to create a site full of life, helping people doing summit good together.
Thursday Morning – Men’s Shed – ‘a local positive space for guys to hang out’
Based in Dunvant, Swansea.
Swansea Bay Orienteering Club
Orienteering is a fun and challenging outdoor adventure sport that exercises both the mind and body. You don’t need to be a member to start – come along to any of their events and give orienteering a go.
Based in Swansea.
Swansea Community Growing Network
Promoting and supporting community growing in Swansea to improve food security and community resilience.
Based in Swansea.
Swansea Council – Nature Recovery Volunteering
Contact the nature and biodiversity team for more information:
Email: nature.conservation@swansea.gov.uk
Based in Swansea
Swansea Council – Sport and Health Team
Helping to create a healthier, more active city.
Based in Swansea.
Swansea Wellbeing Centre
Get in touch with the Swansea Wellbeing Centre to find out about the outdoor opportunities taking place, including the Men’s Walking group.
Based in Swansea.