Nature Nurture 2025
Welcome to ATU’s Nature Nurture Project 2025
We’re excited to launch the next chapter of ATU’s Nature Nurture Project, a vibrant initiative dedicated to supporting disadvantaged and isolated young people through the transformative power of nature, art, and music. Funded by HiWCF Including Communities Grant.
This year, Hebe and Liz are leading a dynamic programme of creative and outdoor experiences designed to boost confidence, connection, and wellbeing. Through guided workshops, woodland adventures, and expressive arts, participants will have the chance to reconnect—with themselves, with others, and with the natural world around them.
Stay tuned as we follow this year’s journey, share stories from the field, and celebrate the healing and inspiring effects of creativity and nature combined. Let’s grow together.
TUESDAY 7TH OCTOBER AT THE DIAMOND WOOD (HARMONY WOODS)
This Tuesday, our wonderful secondary-age Andover Young Carers joined us for another inspiring Nature Nurture Autumn Session.
The group embraced their creativity with Andy Goldsworthy-inspired Earth art, using natural materials to create temporary, stunning artworks in the woodland. They also explored the woods through digital cameras, capturing scenes using handmade frames they created themselves. To top it off, they experimented with the cyanotype process, creating beautiful blue-toned prints from fallen leaves.
A huge thank you to our fantastic organisers Hebe and Liz, Andover Young Carers, and everyone working behind the scenes to make these sessions possible. Your support helps young people connect with nature, art, and each other in meaningful ways.
MONDAY 6TH OCTOBER AT THE DIAMOND WOOD (HARMONY WOODS)
This Monday, our lovely first group of primary-age Andover Young Carers joined us in the woods for another inspiring Nature Nurture Autumn Session. With curiosity and creativity at the heart of the day, the children explored the natural world through a fresh lens — quite literally!
Armed with digital cameras, they framed the forest in their own unique ways, using handmade viewfinders to capture the beauty, textures, and colours of autumn. They also experimented with the cyanotype process, creating stunning blue-toned prints using fallen leaves and sunlight — a beautiful blend of art, science, and nature.
A huge thank you to our wonderful organisers Hebe and Liz, to Andover Young Carers, and to everyone working quietly behind the scenes to make these sessions possible. Your energy and support help us continue to connect young people with the healing and creative power of nature.
TUESDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER AT THE DIAMOND WOOD (HARMONY WOODS)
Last week, our second group of amazing secondary-age Andover Young Carers joined us for a creative day in the woods!
We drew trees, added leaves through frottage and printing, and even tried our hands at papermaking and bookbinding. To top it off, the group made a label for the new Peace Day Tree, adding a special touch to our growing woodland.
A huge thank you to Andover Young Carers and everyone working behind the scenes to make these sessions possible. Your support, creativity, and energy bring nature and art together beautifully.
MONDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER AT THE DIAMOND WOOD (HARMONY WOODS)
Yesterday marked the start of our Nature Nurture Autumn Sessions, and what a wonderful beginning it was! We were thrilled to welcome our second group of lovely primary-age Andover Young Carers to the woods for a creative, hands-on day surrounded by nature.
The group spent time drawing trees, exploring their shapes and textures, and then adding beautiful leaves using frottage and printing techniques. The results were vibrant, full of life, and captured the essence of the season perfectly.
As if that wasn’t enough, we also tried our hand at papermaking and bookbinding — turning natural materials and imagination into something truly special to take home.
A huge thank you to our amazing partners, Andover Young Carers, and to everyone working behind the scenes to make these sessions possible. Your energy, support, and creativity make all the difference.
Here’s to more art, nature, and nurture as autumn unfolds!
TUESDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER AT THE DIAMOND WOOD (HARMONY WOODS)
We’re excited to kick off our Autumn sessions! Yesterday, we were joined by our wonderful secondary-age Andover Young Carers for a creative day in the woods. Together, we drew trees and added leaves using frottage and printing techniques, bringing the beauty of autumn to life on paper.
The creativity didn’t stop there—we also made handmade paper, explored bookbinding, and designed a special label for our new Peace Day Tree. It was inspiring to see everyone’s imagination and care shine through in every project.
A huge thank you to our organisers, Andover Young Carers, and all the amazing people working behind the scenes to make these sessions possible. We can’t wait for more nature-filled creativity this season!
MONDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER AT THE DIAMOND WOOD (HARMONY WOODS)
Today marked the start of our Nature Nurture Autumn Sessions, and what a wonderful day it was! We were joined by our lovely primary-age Andover Young Carers, who brought energy and creativity to the woods. Together, we drew trees and added textured leaves using frottage and printing techniques.
The fun didn’t stop there – we also made our own paper and explored bookbinding, creating beautiful keepsakes to take home.
A huge thank you to our brilliant organisers, Andover Young Carers, and everyone working behind the scenes to make these sessions possible. We can’t wait to see you all again for more autumn-inspired adventures!
WEDNESDAY 20TH AUGUST AT THE DIAMOND WOOD (HARMONY WOODS)
Yesterday (20th August) we wrapped up the second of our Nature Nurture Summer Sessions with Andover Young Carers – and what a fantastic day it was!
We were once again joined by the brilliant forest school leads from Roman Way School, who guided the group through a variety of bush craft activities. From creating wooden snails using coppiced hazel (with plenty of sawing and drilling along the way!), to hands-on paper making, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
The fire circle was a real highlight, with young carers lighting and cooking their own delicious treats – toasties, hot dogs, popcorn, and even stewed apples freshly gathered from the woods.
It was a wonderful way to spend time outdoors, learning new skills and enjoying nature together. A huge thank you goes to our organisers, the forest school team, Andover Young Carers, and everyone working behind the scenes to make these sessions possible.
WEDNESDAY 6TH AUGUST AT THE DIAMOND WOODS (HARMONY WOODS)
Last Wednesday we kicked off the first of our two Nature Nurture Summer Sessions with Andover Young Carers — and what a brilliant day it was!
We were joined by Claire and Mandy, Forest School leads from Roman Way School, who guided us through a whole host of exciting bushcraft activities. The group got stuck in making paper, creating our own charcoal, and decorating with beautiful henna designs. We also learned the art of lighting fires, painted tiles, crafted bows and arrows, and tried our hand at general woodwork.
Lunchtime was extra special as we cooked our own cheese toasties and hot dogs over the fire — followed by the ultimate campfire treat: s’mores! We even went foraging for apples to round off our woodland feast.
A huge thank you goes to our organisers, our brilliant forest school leaders, Andover Young Carers, and everyone working behind the scenes to make this happen. We couldn’t do it without you.
We can’t wait to see everyone for the next session!
TUESDAY 8TH JULY AT THE DIAMOND WOODS (HARMONY WOODS)
On Tuesday, we had the pleasure of hosting our very first Nature Nurture session for secondary-age Young Carers at the beautiful Harmony Woods (The Diamond Woods) — and what a fantastic day it was!
Beneath a sunny sky, the group got stuck into a range of hands-on nature-based activities designed to inspire creativity, connection, and calm. They explored the hidden world of the pond through pond dipping, discovered edible plants while foraging, and created beautiful, mindful artworks using flower presses, pens, and stamps.
The session provided not just a chance to learn and explore, but also a rare opportunity to pause and unwind. With an ice lolly in hand and feet cooling in the stream, the group enjoyed some well-deserved rest and sunshine.
This was more than just a day out — it was a chance to reconnect with nature, each other, and themselves.
We’re so grateful to the amazing Young Carers who joined us and brought such energy, curiosity, and creativity. We can’t wait for the next session!
MONDAY 7TH JULY AT THE DIAMOND WOODS (HARMONY WOODS)
On Monday, July 7th, our first group of primary-aged Young Carers returned to Harmony Woods (The Diamond Woods) for another joyful afternoon of nature, creativity, and connection.
The session included more pond dipping fun, with the children discovering curious little creatures in the water, and foraging for natural items to inspire their artwork. Using flower presses, pens, and stamps, they created beautiful, nature-themed images bursting with colour and imagination.
As the sun warmed the woods, the group cooled down with ice lollies and some splashing water play—bringing smiles, laughter, and a real sense of summer freedom.
It was another heartwarming session full of creativity, curiosity, and carefree moments in nature.
TUESDAY 1ST JULY AT THE DIAMOND WOODS (HARMONY WOODS)
On Tuesday, July 1st, our first group of secondary-aged Young Carers joined us at Harmony Woods (The Diamond Woods) for a sun-soaked Nature Nurture session packed with creativity, exploration, and relaxation.
The group took part in pond dipping, discovering fascinating creatures beneath the surface 🐛, and enjoyed foraging for natural materials. With flower presses, stamps, and pens, they created unique nature-inspired artworks that reflected both the environment and their own imagination.
As the heat rose, the group cooled off with refreshing ice lollies and some splashy water fun—adding laughter and lightness to an already uplifting day.
It was a beautifully balanced session full of calm, creativity, and connection—everything the Nature Nurture Project is all about.
MONDAY 30TH JUNE AT THE DIAMOND WOODS (HARMONY WOODS)
Our first group of primary-aged Young Carers returned to Harmony Woods (The Diamond Woods) for another joyful Nature Nurture session—this time soaking up the glorious summer sunshine!
The afternoon was packed with hands-on nature activities: the children tried their hand at pond dipping, discovering tiny creatures beneath the surface, and foraged for natural materials to use in their art. Using flower presses, stamps, and pens, they created beautiful nature-inspired images filled with colour and imagination.
To cool off, everyone enjoyed a well-earned ice lolly and some splashy fun with water—turning the afternoon into the perfect mix of creativity, exploration, and relaxation.
It was a heartwarming day full of laughter, connection, and summer magic!
TUESDAY 17TH JUNE AT THE DIAMOND WOODS (HARMONY WOODS)
We welcomed our second group of secondary-aged Young Carers to The Diamond Woods (Harmony Woods) for the fourth session of the Nature Nurture Project 2025.
The session began with a collaborative drawing icebreaker—an easy, creative way to ease into the afternoon, encourage teamwork, and get the ideas flowing. The group then explored the woodland, collecting natural items like leaves, feathers, and twigs to inspire their artwork and even use as drawing tools.
It was a relaxed and reflective session, full of thoughtful conversation, creative energy, and meaningful connection with nature. We loved seeing this group grow in confidence and expression as they settled into the space.
MONDAY 16TH JUNE AT THE DIAMOND WOODS (HARMONY WOODS)
We were delighted to welcome our second group of primary-aged Young Carers to The Diamond Woods (Harmony Woods) for another uplifting Nature Nurture session.
The afternoon began with a fun and friendly icebreaker—collaborative drawing that encouraged the children to work together, spark ideas, and get creative. Afterwards, they ventured into the woods to collect natural objects that caught their eye. These treasures became both inspiration and tools for their artwork.
It was a joy to see new faces light up with curiosity and confidence as they explored the woodland and expressed themselves through nature and creativity. Another beautiful step in our journey!
TUESDAY 10TH JUNE AT THE DIAMOND WOODS (HARMONY WOODS)
We welcomed our first group of secondary-aged Young Carers to The Diamond Woods (Harmony Woods) for the second session of the Nature Nurture Project 2025.
The afternoon began with a relaxed icebreaker where the group took part in collaborative drawing, sparking conversation, laughter, and some brilliant shared creativity. They then explored the woods, gathering natural materials—leaves, feathers, twigs, and more—to inspire their artwork and even use as drawing tools.
It was a joy to see the young people unwind, connect, and express themselves through nature and art. A fantastic session full of imagination, gentle energy, and growing confidence! We’re excited for what’s to come.
MONDAY 9TH JUNE AT THE DIAMOND WOODS (HARMONY WOODS)
Our first session of the Nature Nurture Project 2025 took place at the beautiful Diamond Woods (also known as Harmony Woods). We welcomed our very first group of primary-age Young Carers for an engaging and fun-filled afternoon.
To break the ice, Hebe and Liz guided the children through a collaborative drawing activity that sparked teamwork and creativity. The group then explored the woods, collecting natural treasures—like leaves, twigs, and stones—which they used as inspiration and tools for their artwork.
The children’s laughter and curiosity filled the air, setting the perfect tone for many more sessions to come. It was wonderful to see these young carers connect with nature, each other, and their own creative talents right from the start!
