Community Nature Buddies
Community Nature Buddies help people connect with nature close to home to support their wellbeing. They are coordinated by Volunteer Centre Dorset and cover the Dorset Council area.
What support do Community Nature Buddies offer?
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 6.
Ready to make a referral?
Before submitting a referral, please take a moment to read our Referral Criteria and Guidelines to ensure the person you’re referring is suitable for this service.
Next complete the Volunteer Centre Dorset Referral Form.
In the ‘Details of support’ section, please specify that the referral is for a Community Nature Buddy and include information about the types of activities the person would like support with—such as walks in the local area or nature-based outings.
Need help or have questions?
Contact Volunteer Centre Dorset: email: volunteer@volunteeringdorset.org.uk or phone: 01305 269214
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