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Sense nature
A series of workshops in partnership with Down to Zero, Llanharan Drop In Centre and Growing Space Pontypridd
Exploring the natural environment through the use of the five senses, combining arts and nature based activities
OUR JOURNEY IN NATURE THIS YEAR
We’ve had an incredible year developing our Arts & Health Wellbeing in Nature programme, Synhwyro Natur (Sense Nature). The series of workshops were inspired by our Co-Artistic Director, Angharad Evans, during her Wellbeing in Nature Facilitation Course (NVQ Level 3) with Down to Earth at the Cwm Saerbren site in Treherbert run as part of Wood for Good with Welcome to the Woods. The workshop planning and delivery over the development of the project has been in collaboration with Ian McAndrew (Co Artistic Director and CEO of Think Creatively)
The heart of Sense Nature is to help people connect with their local green spaces using their senses. By engaging in creative and nature based activities, we provide opportunities for participants to immerse themselves in nature, which in turn helps to reduce stress and improve overall health
We’ve been fortunate to build a strong partnership with Down to Zero, Llanharan Drop-In Centre and Growing Space Pontypridd. Launching our pilot project, which ran from May to July 2025. This initial phase, funded by the Ashley Family Foundation, allowed us to see firsthand the positive impact that this unique approach has had on the participants’
We were thrilled that we secured further funding through the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund RCTCBC to continue the programme, August until February 2026. This extension has been a fantastic opportunity to deepen the project’s impact. It allows us to be even more responsive to the participants’ needs and interests, creating a space where they can share skills, creativity, enjoy cooking communal meals on a fire, and learn directly from the experts on-site
Being on-site through the changing seasons gives us a powerful opportunity to connect with nature’s rhythm. As autumn arrives, we can slow down and embrace the atmosphere. This transition will take us into the reflective calm of autumn to focus on different themes in our workshops
The cooler weather will include activities that foster warmth and connection, such as gathering around a fire pit. Naturally leading us to a focus on themes of letting go, reflection, and preparation for rest
Ultimately, Sense Nature is more than just a series of workshops; it’s a supportive community where people can find calm, creativity, and a deeper sense of connection, within the natural world
Some of the nature based arts activities include bundle and eco dying, drying and identifying flowers (bilingual), seed crackers, coil clay nature pots, identifying and responding to sounds through movement, drying flowers & herbs and sharing tea together, making picture frames, poetry, writing, movement, mindfulness meditation in nature, nature journaling and much more…
One of the participants Alice has been Nature Journaling and capturing the journey so beautifully we wanted to share some of her experiences here with you:
NATURE POETRY
A GARDEN IS A PEACEFUL PLACE
WHERE NATURE GROWS & FILLS A SPACE
THE RUSTLE OF THE WIND & TREES
THE HUM OF WINGS OF BUMBLE BEES
It’s been a joy to spend time with and facilitate the workshops with the amazing participants at the Eco Hub of Llanharan Drop-In Centre. We’ve seen firsthand how this space is more than just a garden—it’s a place of learning, and connection
One participant shared how the activities have had an impact on improving their mental health and wellbeing and is absolutely loving doing the journals and sharing with everyone. Nature journaling, combined with the supportive environment of the group, gives space for a sense of well-being and personal growth
Another participant spoke about the joy of trying new things and the sense of belonging they’ve found. They told us, “I’ve been learning so much, trying new things and feel a sense of connection and relaxation after the workshops.”
Reflections of a renewed sense of trust. The power of nature and the experience of group trust exercises, demonstrating how engaging the senses can help build a foundation of safety and connection with others.
These experiences highlight that these workshops are a space of nurturing, a space where individuals can learn, grow, and reconnect with themselves, others and the outdoors
We have had the pleasure of a wonderful collaboration between Think Creatively and Growing Space Pontypridd, a Community Interest Company (CIC) that uses creative arts to connect people with nature to improve well-being
This partnership felt like a natural opportunity, allowing us to bring communities from across Rhondda Cynon Taf together and introduce them to the Down to Zero site in Pontyclun. The project has been a great success, creating a wider sense of community and providing a space for shared learning and growth
Facilitators combine their unique skills to offer a rich variety of activities. Hannah Hitchins led a range of creative workshops, shared her knowledge and passion for natural dyeing and growing vegetables from her own garden and allotment, including: Nature-inspired embroidery, Making charcoal over an open fire, Observational drawing, Candle making, Hapa Zome bookmarks using flowers and plants
Meanwhile, Anna Billes empowers participants to find their Voice through a series of activities leading to a vocal sound bath. This immersive experience allowed everyone to connect with the vibrations while surrounded by nature, creating a peaceful and mindful atmosphere that left everyone feeling relaxed and present within the space
We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Growing Space Pontypridd moving forward
Down to Zero is a not-for-profit Community Benefit Society dedicated to tackling climate change through environmental action. This organisation proves that local action can have a global impact, fostering a greener, more sustainable community
We’ve been working closely with three key members of the Down to Zero team—Tom, Kevin, and Mike. Their passion for the project is truly inspiring. They are always ready to share their expertise, whether it’s giving a tour of the site or explaining the fascinating world of their beehives and the sustainable growing techniques they use
A fantastic example of their work is the Llyshbocs initiative. This programme allows the community to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables cultivated on the land. These boxes are available to order weekly and with local delivery within the RCT area. By buying a Llyshbocs, you are directly supporting their mission, reducing your carbon footprint, and enjoying fresh, local produce. We can’t recommend this initiative enough
Sight Life had a fantastic visit to the Down to Zero Site to explore the community growing space
We had a great time engaging our senses, with a focus on touch and smell. We explored a variety of different herbs, discovering their unique textures, scents and uses. We also shared tea, knowledge, and experiences with one another, making it a truly collaborative and social event
A highlight of the visit was the sensory quiz, where Sight Life volunteer Su brought herbs and fruits grown in her garden “herb-identifier.” We put our senses to the test in teams and tasted her beautiful focaccia bread she made with fresh herbs
The day was a great success, filled with learning and connection
Actively using our senses forces us to pay closer attention to our surroundings. Heightening our awareness of details we might otherwise overlook, such as subtle scents, textures, and sounds
