Volunteers offer gentle, one-to-one companionship and support centred around nature. They will work with a participant over an agreed number of sessions to build their confidence so they can continue engaging with nature independently once the buddy support has ended. Buddy sessions will be person centred and work to achieve their nature inspired goals.

Activities could include:

• Meeting someone near their home to go for a gentle walk locally, for example a local greenspace, park or garden.
• Sitting with someone in their garden and taking part in a nature-based activity e.g. nature watching, light gardening such as planting seeds.
• Supporting someone to visit a local heritage site, for example visit a local museum, historic house or gallery.
• Accompanying someone to initially try an outdoor activity e.g. gardening club or walking group.

The typical number of buddying sessions offered is 4-6.

Please make sure you have read our Referral Criteria and Guidelines to ensure your referral is suitable for the service. Community Nature Buddy referrals are only accepted within the Dorset Council area.

Then complete the Volunteer Centre Dorset Referral Form . In the ‘Details of support’ section please state this is for a Community Nature Buddy and provide details of the types of activities they would like to be supported in e.g. walks in the local area.

Contact Volunteer Centre Dorset via email volunteer@volunteeringdorset.org.uk or by phone 01305 269214 if you have any questions.