Ecotherapy at St Nicks
Due to the current national lockdown (January 2021), we are unable to run face-to-face Ecotherapy at St Nicks. We are however still offering our programme of online Ecotherapy provision. This online support is open to anyone wishing to improve their wellbeing through building a connection with nature. Ecotherapy online offers weekly nature-themed emails with creative and practical tips about connecting with nature, including mini videos, blogs and photographs. Please note, we will return to offering our face-to-face Ecotherapy groups at St Nicks just as soon as we’re able to safely do so. To sign up and start receiving our online support, or to join the waiting list for one of the on-site groups when we’re able to return, please complete an enrolment form and return to Ecotherapy Project Manager Kathy Sturgess at ecotherapy@stnicks.org.uk.
Kathy also runs the Mentoring Programme for Ecotherapy participants. If you would like to find out more or arrange an informal chat before enrolling on any of the groups, contact Kathy at ecotherapy@stnicks.org.uk.
All of our Ecotherapy groups connect with nature at our St Nicks nature reserve.
Ecotherapy online
- Bearing Fruit – Receive a regular email about all things nature from tutor Freya Lovett.
- Discover Nature – Tutor Phil Taylor invites you to explore nature and wildlife through sharing his weekly ‘mini discovery’ videos.
- Nordic Walking – Receive regular mindfulness and green exercise tips from tutor Michelle Cairns.
- Words from the Wild – Connect to nature through words, ideas and imagery with our Creative Writing tutor Emma McKenzie and Eco Book Club tutor William Davidson.
- Wellbeing through Nature – Receive nature-inspired wellbeing tips and other inspiration from Ecotherapy Assistant Hannah Kenter.
Ecotherapy promotes good mental and physical wellbeing through outdoor activity in a natural environment. At St Nicks Ecotherapy is offered through a wonderful variety of group activities which are underpinned by one-to one mentoring support. Year round groups are Bearing Fruit, Discover Nature, Nordic Walking, Words from the Wild and Plot to Plate. Over the spring and summer months we also offer Get Gardening and scheduled for July 2021 we have Willow Weaving and Bushcraft.
Read on to find out about the benefits of Ecotherapy, how it works at St Nicks, and how to get involved.
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Benefits of Ecotherapy
Since 2015, 93% of our Ecotherapy participants experience significant improvements in their overall mental and physical wellbeing. They also report:
- Reduction in stress levels
- Reduction in depression and anxiety
- Improved self-esteem
- Increased levels of physical activity
- Better resilience
- Enhanced social interaction
- Confidence boosted through the learning of new skills
- Feelings of happiness by positively contributing towards the environment
How it works at St Nicks
- Group activities are led by qualified and experienced tutors.
- All participants have access to one-to-one mentor support alongside group activities.
- Nature-centred activities run both on and off site, and are free to attend.
- We offer year-round and season-specific activities.
- Sessions are timetabled around the lunch hour which can be enjoyed with others in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Participants can be part of the project for a few years and afterwards choose to stay involved with St Nicks longer through our volunteer programme.
- To join, find out more or support the project, speak to Ecotherapy staff.
- Please note, there are waiting lists for some of the groups.
Interested? Want to know more?
- Details about all of our Ecotherapy groups can be found here.
- Watch the video below to see us in action.
- Make the first step and download an Enrolment Form, once completed email it to ecotherapy@stnicks.org.uk or post it to us at St Nicks Environment Centre, Rawdon Ave, York, YO10 3FW.
- For further information contact Ecotherapy Project Manager Kathy Sturgess on 01904 411821 or email ecotherapy@stnicks.org.uk.
The project is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, with additional funding from Purey Cust Trust CIO and Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Your Consortium.
