As the year draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on what an incredible journey it’s been – not just for Nature Buddies, but for me personally. When I joined the team six months ago, I knew I was stepping into something special, but I didn’t realise just how much it would mean to me.
Nature Buddies launched just over a year ago, building on the amazing legacy of Stepping into Nature. From the start, the vision was clear: to make nature accessible for everyone, especially those who face barriers – whether physical, emotional, or social. But what I’ve learned is that this isn’t just about getting outdoors, it’s also about connection and creating opportunities where people feel understood, supported and encouraged.
One of the most inspiring parts of this year has been our farm visits. Thanks to Farming in Protected Landscapes funding, we’ve been able to open the gates to working farms for people who might never have had that experience. Over 26 visits took place for 11 different groups, including people living with profound deafness, sight impairments and autism. Feeding the sheep by hand, seeing newborn calves up-close, building bird boxes and baking bread together – these experiences have lasting impact and illustrate why this work matters.
And it’s not just farms. Across Dorset, volunteers have been stepping up to make nature more welcoming. We now have over 35 trained Nature Buddies, including 20 volunteers within organisations and 15 Community based Nature Buddies, ready to offer a helping hand.
Four wonderful activity providers have come on board, Upton Country Park, Bere Marsh Farm, the National Trust and Coast Path Connectors and together we’ve started to weave Nature Buddies into the fabric of local communities. We also launched our online Activity Finder for anyone looking to try out an a new activity supported by a Nature Buddy.
For me, some of the most memorable moments so far have been in the smiles, the laughter, and the conversations. Like the person who told us the reward for ‘overriding the anxiety was well worth it’. Those are the moments that stay with you.
The farm sessions really helped with improving our client’s well-being and self-confidence. Social interaction was also important. The opportunity to do something different was wonderful.
We’ve also invested in making the countryside more inclusive through our Community Access Fund. This year, we supported nine projects designed to break down physical barriers and create welcoming spaces for everyone. From accessible composting toilets at Tamarisk Farm to a new sit spot in Frampton and a woodland discovery trail at Thorner’s School, these changes mean more people can enjoy nature comfortably and confidently. Seeing these projects come to life has been a real highlight – they’re practical steps that make a big difference.
As we step into a new year, there’s so much to look forward to. We’ll continue growing our network of volunteers and partners, creating more opportunities for people to connect with nature. And we’re excited to be launching All Ways Out soon – an update to Picnics in the Park – our digital platform packed with ideas for exploring Dorset’s landscapes, whether you’re indoors or out. It’s another way to make nature accessible for everyone, and I can’t wait to see how people use it.
For me, these past six months have been a journey of growth and gratitude. I’m proud to be part of a team that’s making a real difference, one walk, one conversation, one connection at a time.
Charlotte
Nature Buddies ~Project Support Officer
