How can I request a Nature Buddy for myself?
Information on how to request a Nature Buddy for yourself.
Who can access Nature Buddies?
A Nature Buddy is a friendly, specially trained volunteer who can support you to get outdoors, enjoy nature and boost your wellbeing. They can accompany you on a walk, at a local group, or even to explore nature in your local area.
Nature Buddies can support anyone who is facing barriers to getting outdoors.
Studies show that getting out into nature can lift your mood, reduce stress and benefit both your physical and mental health, and having company to do so can help to improve confidence and reduce feelings of isolation.
Benefits:
* Free and friendly support
* Tailored to your pace and interests
* Great for wellbeing and confidence
* Dorset wide
What type of Nature Buddy support is available?
Nature Buddies based within activities
Some Nature Buddies are based within outdoor activity groups. They will welcome you, participate alongside you, and support you to join in at your own pace. Their role is to help you feel included, supported, and part of the group, so you can continue attending and enjoying the wellbeing benefits of shared outdoor activities once their support finishes.
or
Community Nature Buddies
Community Nature Buddies meet you close to home, sometimes starting locally or even from your home if that feels best. Sessions are relaxed and supportive, focusing on building confidence and helping you feel comfortable spending time in nature. The aim is for you to feel more confident and able to enjoy nature independently once the sessions come to an end.
Explore activities near you with our Activity Finder.
If you’re interested in trying a new activity outdoors with a Buddy, take a look at the Activity Finder and choose the activity you would like to take part in – then contact them directly.
If you have any questions about the process, check out our FAQs below. If your question isn’t answered there, then contact Jules or Kate on stepin2nature@dorsetcouncil.co.uk
Request a Community Nature Buddy
It’s very easy to request a Community Nature Buddy, you can be referred by your GP or any other health professional. We are currently operating across the Dorset Council area. Ask your GP for a referral, and if they haven’t heard of Nature Buddies, get in contact with us – stepin2nature@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk – and we’ll contact the surgery.
Once your referral has been processed, you will be contacted by a Nature Buddy who will introduce themselves and plan your sessions together.
Nature Buddies – FAQs
- Who is Nature Buddies for?
Nature Buddies is for adults (18+) living in Dorset who would like support to connect with nature but may face barriers such as:
- Feeling low, depressed or anxious
- Feeling socially isolated or lonely
- Feeling unsure about trying new activities alone
- Low confidence / self-esteem
- Compromised mobility
What does a Nature Buddy do?
A Nature Buddy works alongside a participant to help them:
- Feel more confident spending time outdoors
- Discover nature‑based activities that suit them
- Reduce feelings of isolation
- Connect with their local community
- Build hobbies and interests inspired by nature
- Take steps towards improved wellbeing
Support is tailored to each person and paced to suit their needs.
- How long does support last?
Nature Buddies support is typically:
- Around one hour per week
- For up to six sessions
The service is short‑term and goal‑focused. Support can end earlier if it is no longer helpful, or at any time if either the participant or volunteer feels it isn’t the right fit. Likewise it can be extended if needed.
- Is Nature Buddies a mental health or counselling service?
No, Nature Buddies is not a counselling service and does not replace clinical or specialist support. It is designed to support people with mild to moderate wellbeing needs through nature‑based activities and community connection.
- What can Nature Buddies help with?
Nature Buddies can help with:
- Building confidence and self‑esteem
- Reducing social isolation
- Accessing local green spaces
- Using public transport to attend activities
- Finding suitable nature‑based groups or sessions
- Taking steps towards a healthier, happier life
What can Nature Buddies not help with?
Nature Buddies cannot provide:
- Counselling or mental health advocacy
- Transport to or from appointments
- Personal or domiciliary care
- Dog walking
- Specialist tuition or expert instruction
If someone needs more specialist or ongoing support, we can help signpost to appropriate services.
- Who can refer someone to Nature Buddies?
With the person’s consent, referrals can be made by:
- Social Prescribers or Link Workers
- GPs
- Community Mental Health Teams
- Other professionals such as support workers or counsellors
- Family members
Self‑referral may also be possible for Activity based Nature Buddy support
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