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Dr Alison Greenwood and Dr Emma Fredman ran a wellbeing workshop last week at Pensford Field, Kew , hosted by Dose of Nature for the staff team at SPEAR. SPEAR is a charity supporting people facing homelessness, helping them secure stable accommodation and providing tailored support to rebuild their lives and independence. The workshop introduced SPEAR staff to Dose of Nature’s wellbeing programme, combining scientific learning about the mental health benefits of time spent in nature with practical outdoor activities. The session encouraged reflection, connection, and hands-on experience of how nature can enhance wellbeing — both personally and professionally. It was an afternoon of shared learning, fresh perspectives, and calm connection with nature. You can learn more about SPEAR here .

We’re thrilled to share that our Clinical Lead, Dr Georgina Gould , has been featured in the October 2025 edition of Sainsbury’s Magazine in a beautifully written article titled “On the Nature Trail.” The piece explores how connecting with nature can restore calm, focus and creativity — something we at Dose of Nature are deeply passionate about. Drawing on her expertise in clinical psychology and nature-based wellbeing, Dr Gould explains how the natural world supports mental health in profound ways. She describes how the soft, self-repeating patterns found in nature — known as fractals — can soothe our nervous system , releasing alpha waves that bring a wakeful sense of relaxation. Dr Gould also highlights the concept of “soft fascination” , the gentle, effortless attention that natural environments inspire — from watching ripples on water to noticing leaves moving in the breeze. As she puts it, “In the natural world, you don’t see hard edges. Take time out to watch the clouds, trees moving in the wind, ripples on water… rest, recover and return to whatever you’re doing with renewed focus.” We’re so proud to see Dr Gould's insights shared with a wider audience. At Dose of Nature, our mission is to help people experience these same benefits through supported, evidence-based connection with the natural world. Our heartfelt thanks to Sainsbury’s Magazine for recognising the importance of nature-based wellbeing — and to Dr Gould for continuing to lead the way in this vital conversation. You can read the full article here .

On Wednesday 17th September 2025 , Dr Georgina Gould and Dr Emma Fredman delivered a wellbeing workshop at Pensford Field, Kew , hosted by Dose of Nature for the staff and volunteers at LVA Trust . LVA Trust provides relationship, sex, and health education (RSHE) to schools and communities, supporting young people to feel loved, valued, and able. Their work includes interactive workshops, therapeutic mentoring, and training for parents and teachers. This wellbeing workshop gave their staff and volunteers the chance to pause, recharge, and explore how time in nature can be used as a powerful tool for wellbeing — both personally and in the vital work they do. As with our other workshops, the session combined scientific insights into the mental health benefits of nature with practical, hands-on activities to bring these benefits to life. Participants explored how time outdoors can support wellbeing, while also learning simple, sensory ways to strengthen their everyday connection with the natural world.  The afternoon was filled with reflection, fresh air, and shared experiences — leaving everyone feeling inspired, refreshed, and more connected to both nature and each other.

We are delighted to share that Dose of Nature has been formally recognised in the House of Commons through an Early Day Motion (EDM 1698) , tabled by Zoë Franklin, MP for Guildford. This motion acknowledges the important work of Dose of Nature in improving mental health through supported access to natural environments. It highlights the significant impact of our programmes on reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as easing pressure on primary care services. The EDM also celebrates the opening of our new community garden at Dapdune Wharf in Guildford, created in partnership with the National Trust and RHS Wisley. This space provides an inspiring sanctuary for local residents, emphasising the vital connection between the natural world and mental wellbeing. We are deeply grateful to Zoë Franklin MP for her visit, her kind words of support, and for raising the profile of our work in Parliament. This recognition is a meaningful step forward in amplifying the importance of nature-based interventions in mental health care. You can read the full Early Day Motion here: Dose of Nature EDM 1698

We’re pleased to announce that Dose of Nature has been granted the lease for Pensford Field by Richmond Council. This is an exciting step for us, as it secures a long-term home for our nature-based mental health programme. Pensford Field provides a peaceful and natural setting that plays a vital role in supporting the wellbeing of those we work with. The field will remain open and accessible to the local community, schools, and visitors to enjoy. We are committed to caring for this beautiful space and ensuring it continues to benefit both people and wildlife for years to come. If you’d like to find out more here are links to the recent news coverage and the Council meeting ( See section 6 of the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee on 25th of July 2025)

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

Dose of Nature Features at International Conference on Environmental Psychology 2025