Embrace the Healing Power of Nature With Our “Nature Nurtures” Project

In January 2025, we launched a new Nature Nurtures project to provide free activities in Surrey Downs that help people connect with nature. This project is funded by the Surrey Mental Health Investment Fund as part of the Green Social Prescribing programme.

Aims of the project

The project aims to help Surrey residents embrace the healing power of nature. Whether you’re feeling the weight of life’s challenges or looking for ways to enhance your health and happiness, Nature Nurtures is here for you!

Spending time in green spaces isn’t just a pleasant escape – it’s a proven way to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and boost physical health. Yet, many in our community face barriers to accessing these benefits, from financial constraints to social anxieties.

Our Nature Nurtures project offers free, accessible activities designed to suit all people in a variety of places in Surrey Downs (Banstead, Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell and Mole Valley). From breathing spaces courses, peaceful walks and food-growing groups to creative workshops or guided outdoor fitness sessions, our programme provides opportunities to connect with nature and each other. The programme includes online activities for those unable to go outside who would still like that connection with nature.

What’s On

Download our current Nature Nurtures calendar

For more details on our courses and activities please see the descriptions below.

Our Nature Nurtures activities include:

Natural Connections – A sensory celebration of Nature

The five week courses will be structured around the our senses: sight, sound, touch & taste. We will explore our experience of each of our senses in nature, particularly focusing on what is happening seasonally. There will be a mixture of different activities, some outside, depending on the location and the weather, some will be inside. Activities will include nature awareness activities– spending time noticing the shapes, smells, sounds, and textures of plants/trees/birds, short meditation and mindfulness exercises outside and making things using natural resources. Spending time in nature can be very connective, with our natural environment, ourselves and with each other and this course offers a friendly and calming space.

• Tadworth area: 5 weeks from 26 June, 11.30am – 1pm and then on 3, 10, 24 & 31 July. Download our poster.

Outdoor Yoga – A journey through the elements

Each session is inspired by one of the four natural elements—Air, Fire, Earth, and Water—guiding you through gentle movement, breathwork, and mindfulness practices to promote balance, resilience, and connection to yourself through nature.

• Cobham area: 4 weeks from 9 June, 1.30pm – 2.30pm and then on 16, 23 and 30 June. Download our poster.

Step into Summer – Connect to season, place and each other

Do you long to feel welcomed, seen and relaxed just as you are? Nature offers this gift – supportive, inspiring and free of judgement. We’ll gather outdoors to connect with nature, ourselves and each other, exploring a relationship that is supportive, reciprocal and joyful.

• Epsom area: 4 weeks from 27 May, 10am – 12pm and then on 3, 10 & 17 June. Download our poster.

Nature’s Palette

This course offers activities from noticing the details around you, to using the materials nature provides to craft your own unique work.

• Epsom area: 4 weeks from 21 May, 9.30am – 11.30am and then on 28 May, and 4 & 11 June. Download our poster.

Nature Around Us – A series of walks on the edge of Dorking

Step into the peace and beauty of the Surrey Hills with our friendly walking group on the edge of Dorking. These gentle walks offer a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and boost your wellbeing. Together, we’ll pause to notice and reflect on the wildlife and landscapes around us. No rush, no pressure—just fresh air, good company, and the joy of being outdoors.

• Dorking area – 6 weeks from 8 July, 10am – 11.30am, then on 15, 29 July and 5, 19 & 26 August. Download our poster.

We will update this page with activities regularly. Or if you would like to receive regular updates about this project straight into your inbox, sign up to receive our newsletter.

How to Book

Please note this project isn’t part of our Community Connections service, so anyone aged 16+ and living in Surrey Downs can attend.

To book, please contact Nic and Giorgia directly at naturenurtures@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

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