New Groups for 2026 -2027
We’ve continued to listen and involve participants in shaping sessions and groups.
The Taking Root Group - An introduction to nature wellbeing
Latest government evaluation shows that green social prescribing significantly improves people’s mental health (2024)
We’ve continued to listen and involve participants in shaping sessions and groups.
The Taking Root Group - An introduction to nature wellbeing
Latest government evaluation shows that green social prescribing significantly improves people’s mental health (2024)
What is Wellbeing in the Woods?
We bring people to the woods so that they can connect with others, find beauty in the nature around them, and help to look after the land and woods that so generously provide space, oxygen, and habitat for health. Our aim is that each person finds ways to connect with or make a relationship with the natural world, and that helps their health and that of the Earth.
We started running nature-wellbeing groups for adults in 2012, with funding from adult learning, and called these Wild Learning. Since then, nature-wellbeing has become much more known about, the benefits thoroughly researched, and the NHS and others talk about “green social prescribing” as a way to improve people’s health.
Grants, Support and Funding
Since the pandemic, we have had funding support from Somerset Open Mental Health and the Halpin Trust. In late 2024 we secured funding with support from the players of People's Postcode Lottery, to the present date with The National Lottery Awards for All programme . If you want to help us raise further funds to support these groups, get in touch!
We bring people to the woods so that they can connect with others, find beauty in the nature around them, and help to look after the land and woods that so generously provide space, oxygen, and habitat for health. Our aim is that each person finds ways to connect with or make a relationship with the natural world, and that helps their health and that of the Earth.
We started running nature-wellbeing groups for adults in 2012, with funding from adult learning, and called these Wild Learning. Since then, nature-wellbeing has become much more known about, the benefits thoroughly researched, and the NHS and others talk about “green social prescribing” as a way to improve people’s health.
Grants, Support and Funding
Since the pandemic, we have had funding support from Somerset Open Mental Health and the Halpin Trust. In late 2024 we secured funding with support from the players of People's Postcode Lottery, to the present date with The National Lottery Awards for All programme . If you want to help us raise further funds to support these groups, get in touch!
🌿 The Taking Root Group
An introduction to nature wellbeing.
Good news! Neroche Woodlanders have funding from the players of the National Lottery Awards for All programme for a new group of adult nature-wellbeing sessions at Young Wood near Taunton, for people with mild to moderate mental health needs.
What is it?
New trees put out roots into the ground to get the nourishment and stability they need to grow. Over time these roots help them connect with other trees, fungi, and create the foundation to be healthy. The Taking Root Group is to help people start their journey towards nature-wellbeing. The days are friendly, focused, gentle, at your pace. Groups have 10-12 participants, and a team of helpers made up of staff and volunteers.
Who is it for?
Open to adults from across Taunton and wider Somerset. We have designed the Taking Root Group with the help of many people over the years. The group works especially well for people who have experienced mental or emotional distress, who feel isolated, need time to reflect on life, are neurodivergent, and those trying to build skills to get moving in life again.
Sessions include:
- Starting with hot drinks, toast and talking together as a group around the campfire
- Grounding and ecotherapy practices to connect with self and nature
- Guided explore walks through the woods looking for plants, animal tracks and seasonal changes.
- Looking after the campfire, boiling kettles and cooking lunch together
- Practical activities in small groups with guidance from the team – learning about plants, conservation tasks like cutting back hazel shrubs, learning to make things from wood or weaving with willow.
- Ending with a circle around the campfire to share stories of the day.
The Taking Root Group is for people to come find their own level of connection with nature. We all have good days and bad days. In the woods you are able to just be yourself. Learning and ideas will take root inside you, and you will find new roots to support your own wellbeing.
When will the Taking Root Group take place ?
These are blocks of consistent sessions and not one off's.
After an initial taster session, where possible we ask for people to commit for a full block of sessions.
The sessions are fortnightly term-time sessions in the woods. Tuesdays from 10-2.30pm.
To apply for a place:
Referring agencies,
Please complete the following referral form here . Please note that this does not guarantee a space, but it will add your client to the wait list.
Once you have completed the referral form, please email [email protected] for further information.
Your client will initially be added to our waiting list.
If you are accompanying your client, please note that once your client has a place and is given the booking password, you must also book yourself in per session.
Private/member of the public wishing to attend, please use the same referral form and steps above. Please email [email protected] for further information.
Once you know you have a place, you will be given a password to Book Here . Booking in is essential and must be done minimum 24 hours in advance.
An introduction to nature wellbeing.
Good news! Neroche Woodlanders have funding from the players of the National Lottery Awards for All programme for a new group of adult nature-wellbeing sessions at Young Wood near Taunton, for people with mild to moderate mental health needs.
What is it?
New trees put out roots into the ground to get the nourishment and stability they need to grow. Over time these roots help them connect with other trees, fungi, and create the foundation to be healthy. The Taking Root Group is to help people start their journey towards nature-wellbeing. The days are friendly, focused, gentle, at your pace. Groups have 10-12 participants, and a team of helpers made up of staff and volunteers.
Who is it for?
Open to adults from across Taunton and wider Somerset. We have designed the Taking Root Group with the help of many people over the years. The group works especially well for people who have experienced mental or emotional distress, who feel isolated, need time to reflect on life, are neurodivergent, and those trying to build skills to get moving in life again.
Sessions include:
- Starting with hot drinks, toast and talking together as a group around the campfire
- Grounding and ecotherapy practices to connect with self and nature
- Guided explore walks through the woods looking for plants, animal tracks and seasonal changes.
- Looking after the campfire, boiling kettles and cooking lunch together
- Practical activities in small groups with guidance from the team – learning about plants, conservation tasks like cutting back hazel shrubs, learning to make things from wood or weaving with willow.
- Ending with a circle around the campfire to share stories of the day.
The Taking Root Group is for people to come find their own level of connection with nature. We all have good days and bad days. In the woods you are able to just be yourself. Learning and ideas will take root inside you, and you will find new roots to support your own wellbeing.
- Bring: Warm clothes, hat, gloves (all sessions are outdoors).
- Lunch & hot drinks and fruit snacks are provided.
- Booking is compulsory (for both your client AND yourself).
- There is no charge for this session. Please be aware if you don’t attend once booked you will be taking a free space opportunity from someone else.
- Transport will be provided via free private mini bus from Taunton from 3 designated collection points (please indicate on booking which of these 3 pick up points you require).
When will the Taking Root Group take place ?
These are blocks of consistent sessions and not one off's.
After an initial taster session, where possible we ask for people to commit for a full block of sessions.
The sessions are fortnightly term-time sessions in the woods. Tuesdays from 10-2.30pm.
To apply for a place:
Referring agencies,
Please complete the following referral form here . Please note that this does not guarantee a space, but it will add your client to the wait list.
Once you have completed the referral form, please email [email protected] for further information.
Your client will initially be added to our waiting list.
If you are accompanying your client, please note that once your client has a place and is given the booking password, you must also book yourself in per session.
Private/member of the public wishing to attend, please use the same referral form and steps above. Please email [email protected] for further information.
Once you know you have a place, you will be given a password to Book Here . Booking in is essential and must be done minimum 24 hours in advance.