Nature-Based Recovery
Rebuilding connection with ourselves, each other and the natural world
One of Wild Trout Foundation's aims during our first year is to begin offering nature-based programmes for adults within the local community. We have access to diverse and beautiful sites in both West and East Sussex.
Time spent in nature can help people slow down, reconnect and rediscover a sense of belonging.
As these programmes grow, we hope to develop partnerships with organisations across Sussex to co-create projects that respond to local need.
We believe recovery begins with connection.
Why Nature?
Nature offers something many traditional environments cannot. Away from clinical rooms and everyday pressures, people often begin to slow down.
Research tells us that spending time in natural environments can reduce physiological stress, support nervous system regulation and improve emotional wellbeing. For people who have lived in survival mode, these moments of calm can become the foundation from which healing relationships begin.
Nature asks nothing of us. Sometimes that is exactly what people need.
Evidence-Informed Practice
Everything we develop is informed by research.
Our work draws on the research of Professor Miles Richardson and the Nature Connectedness Research Group at the University of Derby.
Their work highlights five pathways to nature connectedness:
• Contact
• Emotion
• Beauty
• Meaning
• Compassion
Our Commitment
Where possible, our team works alongside partners to identify grants and funding opportunities that make projects sustainable.
As a Community Interest Company, any surplus generated through our unrestricted activities is reinvested into community wellbeing and nature-based recovery programmes.
We believe access to nature should never depend on an organisation's budget.
Our Approach
We don't believe nature replaces therapy, education or family support
We believe it creates the conditions in which those things can flourish
Everything we do is evidence-informed, relationship-led and developed in partnership
Helping people recover, reconnect and flourish through meaningful experiences in nature
Start a conversation
If you're interested in exploring how nature-based programmes could support your community, organisation or service, we'd love to start a conversation.
Whether you're a charity, community group, local service or simply someone who shares our vision, we'd be delighted to hear from you.
This is just the beginning. As our programmes grow and new partnerships develop, we'll continue to share our journey here.
Watch this space.