Ecotherapy

Please note we are currently pausing recruitment on the Ecotherapy Programme. We will re-open recruitment at the end of April 2024. 

Ecotherapy is the name we give to a series of free groups and activities which promote mental and physical wellbeing by building connections with nature and the outdoors. At St Nicks we offer a wonderful variety of group and activities which are underpinned by one-to one mentoring support. Groups are led by qualified and experienced tutors and are based at our Local Nature Reserve and other Green Corridor sites. You can attend for several months and then choose to continue, or progress to one of St Nicks award-winning volunteering schemes.

Year round groups are Bearing Fruit, Making Tracks, Willow Weaving, Discover Nature, Art-based Creative Writing, Words from the Wild, and Plot to Plate. Over the spring and summer months we also offer Wellies and Wheelbarrows, Nordic Walking and Bushcraft! Find further details about all of our Ecotherapy groups and activities here.

If you would like to find out more or arrange an informal chat before enrolling on any of the groups, contact the Ecotherapy team at ecotherapy@stnicks.org.uk.

To find out more about the benefits of Ecotherapy at St Nicks, you can download our Impact Report for May 2021 – May 2022 and our Final Progress Report for May 2018- April 2023

Availability

Please note we are currently pausing recruitment on the Ecotherapy Programme. We will re-open recruitment at the end of April 2024. 

Full information about all groups including upcoming groups can be found on our Activites page.

 

Enrolment

You can ask your GP or health professional to refer you to our courses, or you can enquire about joining yourself. Download an enrolment form below and once completed email it to ecotherapy@stnicks.org.uk or post it to us at St Nicks Environment Centre, Rawdon Ave, York, YO10 3FW.

St Nicks Ecotherapy Enrolment Form (External Referral)

St Nicks Ecotherapy Enrolment Form (Self-Referral)

"Walking through the gates of St Nicks is like walking into an oasis of acceptance and support. It brings a sense of calm and peace that only nature can provide."

The Ecotherapy project is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, with additional funding from Joseph Rowntree Foundation, York CVS and Two Ridings Community Fund.

The National Lottery Community Fund logo index and centre fingers of a cartoon hand are crossed in the typical