Last week, on a scorching hot July summer morning, we had the pleasure of welcoming a group from LEAH (Learn English at Home) to Pensford Field for a special nature wellbeing workshop.
LEAH is a wonderful local charity in Richmond that supports refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants by providing home-based and community English language tuition. For many of the people they support, navigating a new language and culture can be overwhelming. Finding welcoming, peaceful spaces to unwind is a vital part of feeling at home.
With temperatures soaring, around 20 adults and children from LEAH joined us in Pensford Field to explore how connecting with the natural world can support our mental health.
Throughout the morning, we led activities designed to gently engage all five senses. We tuned into the sounds around us, noticed the varied textures of leaves and bark, and took in the sights and scents of the field.
It was a joy to watch the children run around freely in the open space, and just as wonderful to see the adults join in the spirit of play. Towards the end of the hot morning, everyone gathered under the cool canopy of the trees for ten minutes of ‘treelaxation’, lying in the shade, looking up through the leaves, and simply letting the day slow down.
The visit clearly made an impression on one of the participants, Farrokh, who shared:
“Thanks for the invite to the garden. It made me very happy, and I felt honoured to be there. I hope we will have the opportunity to meet again. I found the experience very enjoyable, especially the warm and welcoming hospitality of the hosts in the garden. It was truly lovely.”
One of the volunteers from LEAH said:
“I thought the morning with Dose of Nature was fabulous. And discovering the lovely secret wildlife space of Pensford Field was a wonderful surprise. I would think that the students got a lot of enjoyment from the morning experience and talking about the benefits of nature. As did I!”
Workshops like these remind us that nature belongs to everyone. Connecting with the outdoors does not require expensive gear or vast wilderness. It just takes a quiet moment, a patch of shade, and a willingness to tune in. Can you take the opportunity to do a little ‘treelaxation’ soon?
We are so grateful to LEAH for joining us, and to our supporters who make these community workshops possible.
How you can help
Our wellbeing workshops and nature prescriptions are offered free of charge to those who need them most.
If you would like to help us share the restorative power of nature with more people across our community, please consider supporting our work today with a donation. Thank you.
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