Nature Nurture
A learning and volunteering programme bringing together psychology, conservation and purposeful action in the woods.
Nature Nurture is where wellbeing meets climate action. It combines accessible psychological learning, conservation knowledge and practical volunteering so people can support their own wellbeing while contributing to the care of a living woodland.
We run Nature Nurture at Penllergare Valley Woods with Penllergare Woodland Trust. Sessions are designed as a connected learning journey, with the morning’s psychology and conservation themes leading into meaningful practical work in the afternoon.
What to expect in a typical session
We start with practical, interactive activities that bring together a psychology learning objective and a conservation learning objective. For example, we might explore unhelpful thinking patterns alongside learning about invasive species.
Each session uses Happy Headwork’s signature approach, interweaving evidence-based psychology with natural science so that learning feels interesting, memorable and enjoyable.
We then pause for lunch and a cuppa together in the woods, with time to chat, rest and enjoy the surroundings.
In the afternoon, we put the morning’s learning into action through a related volunteering activity. For example, after learning about invasive species, we might work together to clear invasive plants from the woodland.
Conservation topics we explore
- Invasive species and biodiversity
- Hedgerows and hedge laying
- Tree identification and woodland surveying
- Wildflowers and pollinators
- Deadwood and woodland habitats
- Ponds and freshwater wildlife
Building robust research with Swansea University
We are working with Swansea University’s Sustainable Wellbeing Research Group to build robust research into the impact of our programmes on wellbeing and pro-environmental behaviour.
Together, we are exploring how psychology education, time in nature, conservation learning and purposeful volunteering can support personal wellbeing alongside greater connection with and action for the natural world.
This work helps us understand how change happens, strengthen the programme as it develops and contribute to wider learning about sustainable wellbeing.
Interested in Nature Nurture?
Nature Nurture runs at different points across the year depending on funding, partnership plans and available places. No previous conservation or volunteering experience is needed.