Three-week nature-based wellbeing programme conducted in November with a small group of learners identified with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or other additional learning needs. A total of 16 learners participated (14 from Year 8/9 and 2 from Year 7), with sessions thoughtfully divided by the school into separate groups for boys and girls.
Many learners had limited prior experience in natural environments. The workshops facilitated a rapid understanding of nature’s positive influence on their wellbeing. Learner comments such as “I found out today that I love being in nature,” and “I found out that I really like digging,” highlight this newfound appreciation.
Conclusion:
The three-week nature workshop programme demonstrated significant positive impacts on the wellbeing, social skills, and emotional regulation of the participating SEN learners. The smaller group sizes, novel nature-based activities, and focus on self-regulation strategies created a supportive and enriching environment. The programme also highlighted the often-overlooked benefits of natural light and outdoor experiences, as well as the positive impact of such initiatives on teacher wellbeing. The observed shift in the learners’ respect for nature further underscores the holistic benefits of this approach. These findings strongly suggest the value of incorporating nature-based interventions as a tool to support the wellbeing of learners with SEN and their educators.
Further Learner feedback
“I love nature and it felt amazing”
“I found out I like digging, and I got to come out to the forest.”
“Good, and relaxing.”
Further staff feedback
“I was quite stressed, quite wound up. I was really, really busy and just didn’t know how I was going to fit it in.” What do you feel like after doing the session today? “Oh, it was lovely. The smells out here, I just, I find them really relaxing and the fresh air. I now feel really quite calm and relaxed and looking forward to facing the rest of the afternoon.”