Nature Nurtures Project

What is Nature Nurtures?

Launched in January 2025, Nature Nurtures is a wellbeing project offering free, inclusive nature-based activities to residents of Surrey Downs (Banstead, Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell, and Mole Valley).

Funded by the Surrey Mental Health Investment Fund as part of Surrey’s Green Social Prescribing programme, the project is built on a simple yet powerful belief:

Connecting with nature can be life-changing.

Whether you’re navigating life’s difficulties or simply seeking more peace and connection, Nature Nurtures offers a gentle pathway to improved wellbeing through the natural world.

Why Nature?

Spending time in green spaces isn’t just a nice break from routine—it’s a proven way to reduce stress, lift your mood, improve focus, and even enhance physical health.

However, many people face barriers to accessing these benefits—such as cost, mobility, isolation, or social anxiety.

Nature Nurtures breaks down these barriers, offering free, welcoming, and accessible activities for all adults aged 16+ who live or work in Surrey Downs.

What We Offer

We run a variety of face-to-face and online activities designed to help you reconnect —with nature, yourself, and others. These include:

🌼 Breathing space mindfulness courses
🚶‍♀️ Peaceful nature walks
🌱 Food growing & gardening sessions
🎨 Creative outdoor workshops
💪 Gentle outdoor fitness groups
💻 Online nature-inspired sessions (for those unable to attend in person)

Our activities are open to residents aged 16+ living and working in the Surrey Downs area (Banstead, Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell and Mole Valley). If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, you’re still welcome to apply—we may consider participants from outside the area depending on availability.

Please note: Nature Nurtures is separate from our Community Connections service. Registration and booking are handled separately. You can access both at the same time!

🌟 Current Activities

We are currently running these activities:

Nature Around Us – Walking in the Surrey Hills
Step into the calm and beauty of the Surrey Hills with our relaxed, friendly walking group. These gentle walks are designed to help you slow down, breathe deeply, and take in the richness of the natural world around you. There’s no pressure, just fresh air, good company, and the soothing rhythm of nature.

📍 Dorking area
🗓️ 6 weeks from 15 July, 10–11.30am. Then on 29 July, 5, 19, 26 August & 2 September.
📄 Download our poster

Nature’s Palette – Outdoor-Inspired Creative Art
Explore your creativity in a calm, natural setting. Using natural materials and outdoor inspiration, we’ll guide you through gentle art activities that help you express yourself, relax, and feel more grounded. No artistic experience needed—just curiosity and a love of nature.

📍 Tadworth area
🗓️ 4 weeks from 7 August, 11.30am–1.30pm, then on 14, 21, and 28 August.
📄 Download our poster

We’re always adding new events!
👉 Check back regularly or sign up to our mailing list to receive updates straight to your inbox.

📅 Download our full calendar of activities below. ⬇️

Download Nature Nurtures Calendar

How to join

We follow a very simple process:

1. Fill out our short application form
It only takes a few minutes and helps us get to know you and your needs. You can download it below. ⬇️

2. Book your activity
Once registered, email Nic and Giorgia at
📧 naturenurtures@maryfrancestrust.org.uk to book your place or ask any questions.

Come As You Are
At Nature Nurtures, there’s no need to perform or impress. Just come as you are.
Let nature do what it does best—soothe, inspire, and restore.

Download Application Form

Free nature-based group activities for adults (16+) in Surrey Downs to support mental and emotional wellbeing.