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

Our Nature Nurtures activities include:

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.

• Cobham area: 4 weeks from Monday 24 March from 2pm – 4pm then on 31 March and 7 & 14 April. Exact location to be communicated later on. Download poster.
• Dorking area: 4 weeks from Friday 28 March, 2pm – 4pm, then on 4, 18 & 25 April. Exact locations to be communicated later on. Download poster.

Natural Connections

This course is a sensory celebration of nature as spring arrives, exploring how spending time in nature can deepen our connection with the natural world, ourselves and one another.

• Epsom & Ewell area: 6 weeks from Tuesday 11 March, 10.30am – 11.30am and then on 18, 25 March and 1, 8 & 15 April. Exact locations to be communicated later on. Download poster.
• Mole Valley area: 6 weeks from Thursday 13 March, 1.30pm – 2.30pm and then on 20, 27 March and 3, 10 & 17 April. Exact locations to be communicated later on. Download poster.

Grounded in Nature

This course offers practical tools to reconnect with yourself and the earth whether you are new to the practice of mindfulness and meditation or deepening your practice.

• Online: 4 weeks from 27 March, 12pm – 12.45pm and then on 3, 10 & 17 April. Download 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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