Over 60 healthcare professionals, organisations and volunteers came together on Wednesday 10 June at Coastland College (Kingston Maurward) for the Nature Buddies Conference, celebrating the impact of nature-based befriending across Dorset.
The day brought together a diverse group of people involved in supporting community wellbeing through nature. Attendees heard from the Nature Buddies team, as well as local organisations and volunteers who have set up and delivered their own schemes, sharing inspiring stories about what they have created and the difference they are making in people’s lives.
Helen Musgrave from Volunteer Centre Dorset spoke about the Community Nature Buddies initiative, highlighting the positive impact it is having in reducing isolation and strengthening community connections. The conference also featured an inspiring keynote address from Dr Sybil Fine-King, Deputy Lieutenant of Dorset, who spoke about the wellbeing benefits of nature-based activities and their role in tackling loneliness.
In the afternoon, participants took part in an interactive legacy planning workshop. Through sharing their experiences of the importance of nature to them on postcards, attendees helped to identify opportunities and challenges for the programme as it develops. This was followed by a series of engaging taster sessions, including Nature Connection and Wellbeing Walks, a Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing) workshop, and a powerful talk from Will Behenna of the Beach Access Project, who shared his personal journey to improving access to blue spaces for wheelchair users.
The day concluded with a lively Q&A session, giving participants the chance to reflect and share ideas.
“Nature Buddies is built on a simple idea: that meaningful human connection can change lives.”
A key highlight of the conference was the announcement that Nature Buddies has secured funding through to March 2027. This significant milestone ensures the programme can continue to support communities across the region and grow its impact.
With this continued investment, the team is now looking ahead to working with more groups and partners, helping to expand Nature Buddies and enable even more people to benefit from connecting through nature.
If you are part of support group that would like to get involved in Nature Buddies, the team would love to hear from you—please do get in touch to find out more.
Finally, a big thank you from Kate and Jules to everyone who attended, contributed, and shared their experiences. Your enthusiasm, ideas and commitment made the day a real success.
“Nature Buddies is a powerful way to support our communities health and wellbeing.”
“It’s a great volunteer opportunity and a great way to reconnect with yourself.”
