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On Saturday 12th July, we were delighted to welcome our community to the Dose of Nature Summer Party — a special afternoon of sunshine, connection, and celebration in the heart of nature. Despite the heat, our guests gathered in great numbers, bringing with them an abundance of good cheer and delicious contributions to our food tables. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mandy and Jo , who prepared a beautiful spread of salads, quiches, and tarts, as well as to all those who generously added to the feast throughout the day. From fresh fruit platters and biscuits to delicious cakes, our food tables were a vibrant reflection of the community spirit we’re so proud of. Our drinks table was in excellent hands thanks to Beth , Alana , and Mike , who ensured everyone stayed refreshed and hydrated all afternoon. A special thank you also goes to Alex and Anna , who brought playful energy and organisation to our garden games — a big hit with attendees of all ages. Musical entertainment was provided by DJ Chris , who played guests' favourite tracks and brought the party to life with spontaneous dancing towards the end of the day. We were also treated to a lovely acoustic set by The Motleys , whose nostalgic melodies added a special touch to the atmosphere. Sir Mark Rowley , our Chair of Trustees, gave a short speech highlighting Dose of Nature’s recent progress and the positive impact of the nature prescription programme.  A very special moment was the celebration of Peter’s 80th birthday . Peter has led our Monday morning Bird Watching Group for the past six years with unwavering commitment — showing up in all weathers, on Christmas mornings, and during long summer evenings. Dr Alison gave a heartfelt speech honouring Peter’s unwavering commitment and kind leadership, before we gathered to cut a beautiful homemade cake adorned with edible flowers and birds. It was a day that truly embodied the values of Dose of Nature: connection, community, and the healing power of the natural world. To those who couldn’t make it – you were very much missed, and we look forward to seeing you at our next event. Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, and helped make the day such a memorable occasion.

We’re delighted that Dose of Nature has been featured in the Financial Times Weekend, with Global Health Editor Sarah Neville, spotlighting the growing impact of our nature-based mental health programme. Being recognised in a national publication is a meaningful moment for us—and more importantly, it affirms the stories of transformation we witness every day. The article explores how supported time in nature is helping individuals manage complex mental health challenges, often after years of struggling within the traditional system. One participant shared: “It unlocked an inner confidence and self-assuredness that I’ve never had before in my life.” Another reflected: “When your mind is so frantic... if you can start to hear the birds sing, suddenly it can tune you into the present. It reframes your human experience.” The article highlights that the programme has “consistently outperformed equivalent NHS interventions,” even for those with more severe or complex needs. Studies referenced in the piece show significant improvements in symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as a measurable reduction in GP contact following participation. We’re grateful to the Financial Times for recognising the value of nature in healing—and to all those who continue to place their trust in us as they begin their journey towards mental health recovery. You can read the full article in the attached PDF or find it on the Financial Times website (subscription required).

Dapdune Wharf, Guildford 27 June 2025 Photography by RHS/Ollie Dixon We are incredibly proud to unveil our brand-new therapeutic garden at Dose of Nature’s Guildford site — the result of a powerful collaboration with RHS Garden Wisley as part of their 2025 Design & Build Project . Created by students on the Level 4 Diploma in Horticulture Practice , the garden was designed by Lucy Stephens , whose thoughtful vision balances structure, serenity, and sensory richness to support mental wellbeing. A standout feature is the wildlife pond, designed by Conor Craig , a fellow diploma student, to foster biodiversity and enhance the garden’s ecological value. While the planning phase took place over many weeks, the entire garden was brought to life in just five days – with Dose of Nature clients, volunteers, and staff involved throughout the build , working side by side with the RHS students to dig, plant, and shape the space. On 27 June, we welcomed a range of guests to celebrate the official opening — including the RHS team, the brilliant student designers and tutors, and Zoe Franklin MP , who cut the ribbon and declared the garden open. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Cllr Julia McShane and Cllr George Potter , who generously contributed to the project through their Small Community projects Funds . We’re also deeply grateful to the National Trust , whose support helped make this collaboration at Dapdune Wharf possible. This inspiring project is a testament to what can be achieved when community, creativity, and compassion come together. We are so grateful to the RHS team for choosing Dose of Nature as their 2025 garden site. You can read the RHS feature on the project here: A life‑changing garden designed and built by RHS students vantagepointmag.co.uk+6rhs.org.uk+6rhs101.rhs.org.uk+6

Dose of Nature Features at International Conference on Environmental Psychology 2025

We’re delighted that our founder, Dr Alison Greenwood , has been featured in the latest edition of Psychologies Magazine , exploring the restorative power of nature on the human mind. In an age of constant digital noise and relentless to-do lists, many of us live in a state of low-level mental exhaustion. But nature offers something modern life so often withholds: the space to pause, breathe, and reset. In the article, Dr Greenwood explains that when we spend time in natural environments—surrounded by nature’s familiar sights and sounds - our parasympathetic nervous system (often referred to as our rest-digest system) is activated, and our heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol levels ( an indicator of stress) all reduce. “Just being outside in nature is good for our bodies and brains. We focus better, think more clearly, and feel both calmer, and at the same time more energised”. At Dose of Nature, our work is grounded in this principle. Our nature-based therapy sessions are designed to reconnect individuals with the natural world—supporting improved mental health, emotional resilience, and overall wellbeing. We’re proud to be part of a growing movement that recognises nature not as a luxury, but as a vital part of our biological blueprint. 📖 Read the full article in Psychologies Magazine (July 2025 edition).

We are delighted that our work at Dose of Nature has been featured in The Times in an article exploring the growing recognition of nature as a powerful therapeutic tool for mental health. In The New Prescription for Depression: Get Outside, journalist Emily Retter highlights the mounting evidence that nature is not just a pleasant backdrop to recovery—but a direct, physiological intervention that can improve mental health outcomes. The piece features our founder, Dr Alison Greenwood, and our clinical lead, Dr Georgina Gould, who share how our eight-week nature prescription programme—offered across the boroughs of Richmond and Kingston, and in Guildford—has now been prescribed by over 60 GPs, delivering meaningful results, with efficacy rates that consistently outperform equivalent NHS interventions. From the benefits of breathing in phytoncides and listening to birdsong, to the grounding effects of noticing fractals in tree branches and touching soil, the article showcases the science behind what many of us intuitively feel: nature heals. With over 2,000 people supported so far, we remain committed to making nature-based mental health interventions more widely available and accessible. This feature is a vital step in raising awareness and driving forward the shift towards prescribing time in nature as a clinical tool, not just a lifestyle choice. You can read the full article on The Times website (subscription required), and find out more about our work at doseofnature.org.uk.

Helping young people support their mental health through increased engagement with the natural world We’re delighted to announce the launch of our new schools-based initiative, “A Dose of Nature for Christ’s Students” , a pilot programme designed to bring the proven benefits of nature directly into the school environment. This innovative partnership with Christ’s School in Richmond is part of our mission to support the mental health and emotional wellbeing of young people through regular, meaningful engagement with the natural world. Backed by over 40 years of scientific research, our programme offers a structured yet creative way to empower teenagers with practical tools to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. What the Programme Includes: PSHE Lessons for Year 8 Over four lessons during the summer term, students will explore how time in nature can reduce stress, improve focus, and support better mental health. These sessions include hands-on, sensory-based activities and time spent outdoors—designed to help students feel the difference nature can make. Six-Week Nature for Wellbeing Courses Small groups of students from Years 7–10 , identified as needing additional emotional support, will take part in weekly sessions led by our experienced psychologists . Each week introduces a different “key ingredient” of nature—from colour and movement to pattern and sound—to help students better understand how to use nature to regulate their mood and strengthen their resilience. Parent & Carer Engagement Parents and carers will be invited to a one-off talk to learn about the science behind our approach, along with practical ideas for encouraging young people to spend more time outside—both independently and as a family. Early Feedback from Students: “I could not have imagined a more life-changing experience.” — Mark, 18 “Dose of Nature has helped relieve so much stress… I feel happier and more confident.” — Roshin, 16 “It gave me hope for the rest of the week.” — Jasmine, 15 We know that nature isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Our goal is to equip young people with tools they can carry for life: the ability to slow down, to reconnect, and to find peace in the green spaces around them. This pilot is just the beginning. We hope to expand the programme to more schools across the region, creating a ripple effect of resilience, confidence, and calm. If you’re interested in bringing a Dose of Nature to your school, get in touch today at info@doseofnature.org.uk or v i sit www.doseofnature.org.uk 

As part of World Refugee Week 2025, Dose of Nature was honoured to deliver a special workshop for LEAH (Learn English At Home). LEAH supports adults in the local refugee and migrant community by offering free, one-to-one English lessons and community learning. Many of the individuals they work with are navigating complex transitions—leaving behind home, language, and familiarity. It was a privilege to be invited to share how nature can offer moments of healing, grounding, and belonging , even in a new country. Workshop Highlights Dr Alison Greenwood, Counselling Psychologist and CEO and Founder of Dose of Nature, led the session. Drawing on her clinical background and nature-based therapy work, she introduced simple ways to use time in nature to support mental well-being. Together, we explored: How nature lowers anxiety and improves mood Why natural sights and sounds help us relax Tips for noticing everyday nature in urban settings We were inspired by the curiosity, courage, and warmth of the LEAH learners who attended. Why It Matters Refugees and asylum seekers often experience isolation and stress, especially in unfamiliar environments. Nature can be a powerful source of connection and calm. LEAH’s work already does so much to reduce barriers—offering language skills and community support. We’re proud to complement that with tools to support mental health through nature. A Shared Mission At Dose of Nature, we believe everyone deserves access to the benefits of the natural world. Collaborating with organisations like LEAH reminds us how shared spaces—parks, gardens, even city trees—can become places of belonging and restoration.

Dose of Nature was proud to be part of Sounds of Blossom , Kew Gardens’ springtime celebration blending music, blossom, and wellbeing. Visitors were invited to stroll through Kew’s blossom hotspots while enjoying original compositions by students of the Royal College of Music — and to take mindful pauses along the way. As part of the trail, Dose of Nature created five wellbeing signs placed at natural landmarks around the Gardens. See below, each sign showcasing the five ‘active ingredients’ of nature — simple, science-backed ways that connecting with nature can improve our mental health. 1) Tree-laxation – panel near a large tree Stand under a large tree and look up! Notice the patterns of the branches, as they get smaller and smaller. These self-repeating patterns are called “fractals” and exist everywhere in the natural world. Scientists have discovered that when we look at fractal patterns, there’s an increase in alpha wave activity in our brains, a sign of a “wakefully- relaxed state” – and who doesn’t want to feel more of that?” 2) Nature sounds – panel by some running water Close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you – notice how you feel when you hear the birds singing, or water running. How does this compare with when you hear an aeroplane or a car engine? Listening to the sounds of nature can make us feel happier, calmer and less stressed. We find comfort in these sounds because they are familiar to our brains, whilst the sounds of the modern world are unfamiliar and perceived by our brains as potential threats. 3) Phytoncides – panel near pine trees Take a deep breath in through your nose – what can you smell? Even if you can’t smell anything, you are breathing in “phytoncides”. These are the chemicals that all trees and plants give off to protect themselves from threats such as fungi and bacteria. Breathing in these phytoncides increases natural killer cells in the blood, boosting immune functioning, reducing stress and improving sleep. 4) Soil bacteria – panel near clean soil Bend down and touch the soil, feel it beneath your fingers, sniff it, write your name in it with a stick! There is growing evidence to suggest that breathing in, playing in, digging in, and even eating dirt may be good for our health. The microorganism in soil called “mycobacterium vaccae” has been found to have a positive impact on mood, vitality, and even cognitive functioning. 5) Awe in nature – panel in front of something awe-inspiring Look straight ahead! Notice how you feel when you look at something stunningly beautiful in nature. Sometimes we experience goosebumps or a tingly feeling down the back of the spine at the sight of something truly spectacular – it’s awe-inspiring! Experiencing ‘awe’ as often as we can is good for our mental health. Researchers have found the more awe we have in our lives, the less stressed and more contented we seem to be! Together, these signs encouraged visitors to slow down, engage their senses, and discover the science of how nature supports our wellbeing. To learn more about the event, visit the Kew Gardens website .