Mindful in Nature

"Once you open up to nature, it feels as though there's a great deal of compassion in it
                                    - course participant

A Sharpham Trust project, supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, that is specifically designed to support mental health recovery, resilience and well-being for people aged 18+ living locally, combining mindfulness and nature connection.  

Thanks to the funding, there are bursaries and funded places available for those experiencing financial hardship. 

We can offer free transport from Torbay and Totnes. Please do get in touch to discuss your needs.

Scroll down to find out more about the half-day taster & 8-week courses in Sharpham Woodland, as well as volunteer opportunities on our beautiful estate.

Mindfulness in Nature

People taking part in these courses will learn:

  • Mindfulness and nature connection practices and skills to help manage stress and enhance well-being
  • How to build personal resilience and an increased ability to cope with difficult and stressful situations
  • A set of skills to help be steadier with whatever is happening, without resisting it or judging it as good or bad
  • Self-compassion and being kinder to one's self
  • How to apply mindfulness to daily life after the course has been completed
"Mindfulness on its own is a really powerful tool but the grounding effect of being in beautiful woodland...is enormous
                                                - Phil Mcmahon
"It's completely changed my life! And that's part of why I want to encourage other people to come to Sharpham, do Mindful-in-Nature and feel the benefits: have a happier life, have a more stable life, have a life full of joy
- Cass

Do you help to deliver mental health services in Devon?

The project is co-designed with Devon Recovery Learning Community, including input from people with lived experience of mental health challenges.

We need your help to spread the word about this important project that alleviates pressure on local mental health services and offers an alternative to prescribing drugs.

Doctors, mental health nurses, people and organisations delivering mental health services in South Devon can help by pointing people towards Mindful-in-Nature, using this web page or by emailing [email protected]

And please share this page throughout your networks.

In a world that often leaves us disconnected, Mindful-in-Nature builds on Sharpham's existing work with mindfulness and a connection to the natural world.

Toria Hare at The Sharpham Trust

The Mindful-in-Nature project is coordinated by Toria Hare. She can be contacted on [email protected]