How nature helps people thrive
At Camphill Village Trust, we believe that nature is more than just something we walk through — it’s something that can support, inspire, and empower us. That’s why we’ve developed our Nature-Based Therapies and Skills Programmes: day opportunities designed to help adults with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health problems grow in confidence, improve wellbeing and be more independent — all through supported, nature-based or inspired activities.
What are our Nature-Based Therapies and Skills Programmes?
Our programmes offer a range of meaningful, structured activities in both indoor and outdoor settings. These include caring for animals, growing food, baking, working in gardens and farms, and creating nature-inspired arts and crafts. Each activity is guided by trained staff, adapted to the individual so they can progress towards their own goals, and shaped by the natural seasons.
It’s open to residents in our supported living communities, as well as those from the wider community who join our programmes on a day-placement basis.
Why nature? The evidence behind our approach
The benefits of nature for health and wellbeing are well researched, evidenced and documented. Studies show that regular time in green spaces can help reduce anxiety and depression, lower stress levels, and improve mood, sleep, and physical health. For people with learning disabilities, autism or mental health problems, these positive effects are especially powerful.
Nature-based approaches are increasingly recognised within adult social care as a way to offer more effective support — combining the therapeutic benefits of nature with meaningful activity developing skills in a group setting, makes for an effective route to individual progression and achievement of personal goals. It’s a holistic, person-centred model that sees every person as capable, creative, and connected to the world around them.
 What do we offer?
Our seven programmes are:
- Supported Growing and Horticulture – such as planting seeds, growing vegetables, and harvesting produce
- Supported Animal Care and Husbandry – including feeding animals, grooming, and egg collecting
- Supported Countryside Management – helping maintain woodlands, paths, and green spaces
- Supported Nature-based Arts and Crafts – like weaving, pottery, woodwork and creating unique art pieces working with natural materials
- Supported Creative Arts for Wellbeing – all things performance inspired by the natural world, including music, drama, and seasonal celebrations
- Supported Catering, Food Preparation and Processing – from baking and jam-making to preparing dishes for customers in our cafes
- Supported Retail and Customer Service – supported roles in our shops, serving customers front-of-house in our cafés and visitor centres, selling the things we produce at events inside and outside our communities
Each activity within our programmes supports the development of practical skills, confidence, and emotional wellbeing, while helping people feel more connected to others and to the natural world.
Looking ahead: Severnside Skills
For those who want to take their next step towards employment, we also offer access to Severnside Skills – our inclusive, campus-based training provider.
Set within the lively Taurus Crafts visitor centre, Severnside Skills offers real work experience in a thriving social enterprise setting. It’s open to anyone over the age of 16 with special educational needs (SEN) and provides tailored vocational training in areas like catering, hospitality, and customer service.
Each course is adapted to suit the learner’s pace and goals, promoting confidence, independence and practical experience in a supportive, inclusive environment.
The difference it makes
Our programmes are not just about filling the day — they are designed to support each person to live a Life of Opportunity. We focus on what people can do, not what they can’t.
Benefits of the programmes include:
- Greater independence and self-confidence
- A stronger sense of purpose, meaning and identity
- Better mental and physical health
- Increased social connection and inclusion
- New skills for life and work
Because activities are seasonal and sensory, people often rediscover a deep connection to the rhythms of the year — whether that’s planting bulbs in spring, harvesting veg in autumn, or weaving wreaths in winter.
Why it matters
In a world that can feel overwhelming, disconnected or isolating, nature brings people back to what’s real — and to what they can achieve. Our Nature-Based Therapies and Skills Programmes offers people a way to learn, contribute and be part of something bigger.
It’s about unlocking potential, one seed, loaf of bread, or painted tile at a time.
To find out more or make a referral, visit our website page or contact us. Â
