Growing confidence, skills and connection through nature
The Trust has also received funding from the National Lottery Community Fund for Thrive in Nature, a two-year project supporting inclusive volunteering opportunities for adults aged 18 and over.
The project offers regular weekly sessions and flexible drop-ins, creating safe, welcoming spaces where people can improve their mental and physical health through outdoor activity, learn about food growing, as well as build confidence, fulfilment and a sense of belonging by working as part of a team.
Nature-based support at a time of growing need
Around 70% of Sharpham’s volunteers live with a disability, learning difficulty, or mental health challenge, and Thrive in Nature supports approximately 140 volunteers each year, including 45 regular weekly volunteers.
By taking part in food growing in Sharpham’s walled gardens, nature restoration across the rewilding land, and monthly citizen science days, volunteers build meaningful relationships, reduce isolation, and contribute to a greener, more resilient community. Produce grown on site supports Sharpham’s residential mindfulness retreats, reducing waste and strengthening local food resilience.
The project comes at a crucial time. With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis affecting health and wellbeing, and the end of existing funding streams, demand for supportive, nature-based programmes is rising. With support from the National Lottery Community Fund, Thrive in Nature will enable people to grow, connect and thrive together while increasing wildlife diversity across the Sharpham Estate.
Julian Carnell, Director of The Sharpham Trust, said: “These grants will help us reach people of all ages and backgrounds, from children discovering rivers and wildlife for the first time to adults finding connection, confidence and purpose through volunteering.
"At a time of increasing pressure on both people and the environment, this funding allows people and nature to thrive side by side.”
Kristy Poulton, Event Coordinator at South West Water, said: “The Sharpham Trust is a fantastic organisation that works hard every day to bring communities closer to nature and is the perfect example of the kind of community and environmental project that our Better Futures programme was designed for. We very much look forward to seeing how our support can benefit the Trust's fantastic volunteer scheme and educational outreach programmes in the coming year.”
What is the River Dart Catchment Partnership?
The Sharpham Trust is acting as the secretariat for the River Dart Catchment Partnership, which brings together local organisations, landowners and communities to protect and restore the river’s health, wildlife, and surrounding environment. Further information on the projects being undertaken to restore the health of the river can be found at www.riverdart.org
