Nature Based Activities

Our Nature-based sessions are tailored to suit people’s needs and focus on the 5 Ways of Wellbeing:

1. Connect with the people around you...building connections will support and enrich you.

2. Be physically active...step outside, go for a walk or run in nature, garden, play a game.

3. Take Notice...notice and connect with the natural world, be curious, catch sight of the beautiful, be aware of the changing seasons and savour the moment.

4. Keep Learning...try something new, learn a new skill, learn about nature or gardening.

5. Give to others...do something nice for someone else, thank someone, smile, volunteer your time, give back to your community.

N.B. 5 Ways of Wellbeing, evidence-based criteria from the New Economics Foundation and widely used within the NHS.

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Nature sessions: Alongside our horse riding, horse care and Shetland Therapy sessions, we are lucky to have almost 100 acres of countryside and woodland to utilise for Nature-based activities. Spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress levels, calm the nervous system and supports emotional and physical wellbeing.

Sessions may be focused on learning, growing, mindfulness or being physically active in line with the 5 Ways of wellbeing with the assistance of nature.

 

Nature + Pony sessions: A large part of the Avon Centre’s purpose is linking people with physical, emotional and learning difficulties and Disadvantaged people to the therapeutic benefits of being around horses as well as horse riding. Our Nature + pony sessions (some might call it Neigh-ture!) combine Nature sessions and some time with horses (non-ridden) in a natural setting. 
Sessions may be focused on learning, growing, mindfulness or being physically active in line with the 5 Ways of wellbeing with the assistance of both nature and horses.

 

Grow in Nature: Every day is a learning day with Nature being the most wonderful teacher. Grow your knowledge, grow your skills, grow some plants, grow your connection with nature and with others. 
Grow in Nature sessions include woodland exploration, woodland connection, nature based games and craft activities along with seasonal gardening tasks.
 

Sessions include:
o    Home Education Group, Age 8 to 12 years, Thurs 10am-12 midday
o    ASDAN Gardening short course, Age 12 to 18 years, 10 to 60 hours
o    City & Guilds Practical Horticulture Skills, Age 16+
o    AQA Unit Award Scheme, Gardening Courses

 

Grow in Nature + Pony: Combine Nature-based exploration with Learning about Horses in a natural setting. 
Sessions are split between time in Nature and time with horses (non-ridden) focusing on a specific learning goal.
o    Nature Exploration with ASDAN Animal Care 
o    Nature Exploration and RDA Proficiency Horse care Level 1 and 2

 

Be Active in Nature: Nature based activities and games that are physically active.

o    Parties
o    Corporate offer (Active Team Build)

 

Be Active in Nature + Pony: Combine Nature based activities and games along with time to interact with horses (non-ridden)
•    Programmes include:
o    Nature activities and Shetland ponies (HOLIDAYS: 2 hours = 1 hour nature, 15 min break, 45 mins Shetlands)
o    RDA riders Active Nature + Pony sessions (Adults term time, 1 hour session, 40 mins active in nature, 20 mins horse-care in a natural setting). 
o    RDA riders Active Nature + Pony session (Children, 7-11 years, 12-16 years, holiday specific dates, 1 hour, 40 mins active in nature, 20 mins horse care in a natural setting)
o    Parent & Toddler Nature + Pony sessions (
o    Children’s parties

 

Mindful Nature: Exposure to nature is proven to be good for us in many ways. Mindful connection with nature is even more meaningful and can instil calmness and happiness.
Mindful activities in the Natural environment. A mixture of Nature awareness, nature-based craft activities, mindful gardening and woodland walks 
•    Programmes include:
o    Tailored programmes to fit the needs of the group 
o    1:1 programmes to fit the needs of the individual
o    Corporate programmes (Mindful Team Bonding)
 

Mindful Nature + Pony: Combine the therapeutic qualities of nature with the therapeutic nature of horses
•    A mixture of mindful Nature awareness, Nature-based craft activities or gentle gardening activities alongside sensory time with horses (non-ridden) 
 

Give to Others: Volunteering for Nature sessions:
•    Volunteering opportunities for 14+ year olds to assist with our ‘Nature’ sessions or ‘Nature + Pony’ sessions
•    Community opportunities to participate in our regular Open Days and Events


If you are interested in learning more or booking any of these sessions please contact info@theavoncentre.org.uk



 

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