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 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!
