With support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we are looking to build our new Nature Buddies Network across Dorset. We are keen to hear from health and well-being, heritage and environment organisations and community groups which would like to get involved in this new initiative.
A Nature Buddy is a specially-trained volunteer who enables a person, on a one-to-one basis or as part of a small group, to overcome barriers to taking part in nature-based activities, such as a lack of confidence to get outside, to explore natural spaces and to connect with nature.
A Nature Buddy could simply help a participant access a bus timetable to travel to a nature-based activity, or they could play a more involved role in enabling them to fully participate in the activity. A relationship could be short-term or ongoing and could include planning activities together over time.
We are looking for organisations or community groups that want to host nature buddies volunteers.
Do you already offer a befriending service or a nature based activity such as a gardening, bird watching or walking group? If you are interested in extending your offer and widening your reach, Nature Buddies Network can support you to upskill existing volunteers and/or recruit new volunteers. We will provide FREE bespoke training and nature-based resources, to enable you to embed Nature Buddy volunteers within your service.
Alternatively perhaps you have a site or place that would be a great place for Nature Buddies to visit? We are looking for welcoming and accessible sites for Nature Buddies to visit and can support you to make your site welcoming to all.
The Nature Buddies Network is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible by National Lottery players.