At Dose of Nature, we have long believed that schools play a vital role in supporting young people’s mental health. Earlier this year, we were delighted to pilot our first school-based intervention at Christ’s School in Richmond, designed to bring the proven benefits of nature directly into the school environment.

The four-week programme was delivered during regular PSHE lessons and reached 180 Year 8 students (aged 12–13). Through a combination of outdoor activities, group discussions, original animated short films, and a comprehensive teacher training manual, students learned practical tools to help them manage stress, anxiety, and everyday emotional challenges.

One student reflected on the impact:

“I realised that I overthink things and now I use nature to ground me… I also use nature as a break from my work, and I then feel refreshed and produce better quality work.” – Ali, 17

Alongside this universal programme, we also delivered a six-week Nature for Wellbeing course for a smaller group of 14 students (Years 7–10) who had been identified as needing additional emotional support. This course was delivered by our psychologists and provided focused psychoeducation on the mental health benefits of nature. Students completed wellbeing questionnaires at the beginning and end of the programme.

The results were hugely encouraging:

• 85% of students showed improved mental wellbeing
• 83% felt more connected to nature
• 100% reported spending more time outdoors

All of this was achieved in just six sessions, highlighting the powerful potential of nature-based mental health support if embedded more widely in schools.

Another student shared:

“I used to have panic attacks, but Dose of Nature has helped me relieve so much stress. I am much happier and more confident.” – Holly, 16

The programme is overseen by Dr Georgina Gould, Clinical Lead at Dose of Nature, who brings extensive experience from her work in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).



Following the success of this pilot, we are excited about the future potential of expanding school-based nature wellbeing programmes both locally and nationally.