Overview
Nature-based activities support physical and mental health through helping to keep us active, engaged with our community, and connected to nature. However, some people face barriers to participation, ranging from physical (transport, physical access, etc), to personal (lack of confidence or generalised anxiety), to socio-cultural (lack of feeling of belonging or welcome in nature spaces).
Nature Buddies are specially-trained volunteers who enable a person, on a one-to-one basis or as part of a small group, to overcome these barriers, based on individual needs.
What we’re doing
With funding from Public Health Oxfordshire, OLNP is working with BBOWT, OCVA, Wild Oxfordshire, and The Nature Effect, to develop a Nature Buddies scheme in Oxfordshire.
Following an initial stakeholder workshop in September 2024, in spring 2025 we are moving into a co-design phase for a 2-3 year pilot study that will help to develop a network of organisations hosting Nature Buddies across Oxfordshire.
Find out more
- See the National Academy of Social Prescribing’s Nature Buddies ‘toolkit’ .
- Do get in touch with the OLNP people and nature manager (Lizzie.Moore@southandvale.gov.uk) if you would like to find out more or think your organisation could be involved.
Related publications
Recognitional equity in access to and planning of urban green spaces
This research by Mattia Troiano looks at how fair access to parks and green spaces in Oxford is influenced by income and community backgrounds. It finds that poorer communities often struggle to have their voices heard in decisions about these spaces, making it harder for them to shape their local environment. Even when efforts are made to include them, a lack of trust and practical barriers can stop them from taking part. Without recognizing these challenges, attempts to improve access and involvement in planning may not work as intended and could even make inequalities worse.
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