Disaster recovery through Healing with Nature in Penrith
Disaster recovery through Healing with Nature in Penrith
HNLN helps the community to reconnect to nature and each through nature therapy and in turn can also help nature recover
Capacity to Deliver -
LP042 - 11
The issue
In 2022, after years of natural disasters and lockdowns, HNLN recognised that the community in Penrith was fatigued, natural disasters had impacted their relationship with nature, and recovery efforts had taken time away from leisure activities and physical activity. People were being encouraged to come to Landcare events, help removed weeds, or plant trees, at a time when they were disconnected from their local environment. At the same time there lacked events that focused on simply enjoying and being in nature with no expectation to do anything nor any that provided skills to cope and recover in and with nature.
The solution
HNLN received Wellbeing Funding from Wentworth Healthcare to run the Healing with Nature, Penrith program. It embodied principles of nature therapy which is the practice of being in nature to boost mental and physical health. It focused on spending quality time outdoors, and the recovery of people and the environment in a fun, casual way, through a range of different activities, free, for free for all ages. The program provided a chance for individuals to disconnect from the busy world, learn practical techniques to manage stress & anxiety*, seek help, and focus on themselves
The impact
The program held 7 small events and two school workshops with a total attendance of 124 people. The events included: BBQ and Weed Blitz (2) with a nature therapy session, Youth Camp Out (bush regen and guided walks), Frog Spotting Night for families, Scribbling Scribbly Gums (drawing), Sunset Safari, Yoga and Bushcare with Gowe Park Bushcare and A Morning of Creation with Wallacia Progress Association. All events were held at or near Landcare/Bushcare sites to help foster a connection with the local environment that would encourage people to return. Feedback and highlights shared by participants included:
- “Thank you for helping me connect again!”
- “I feel calmer and inspired by drawing in nature”
- “Drawing in nature opens your eyes to the diversity of the land”
- “I adored the sun painting the sky for us while we set up our tents”
- “We would love to attend more of these sessions on a regular basis!”
Learnings
People need an opportunity to foster connections with the environment and value it, before they can become Landcarers.
Key facts
- For many people, this was their first interaction with nature therapy-style events and sessions, and everyone who participated – even the skeptics, said they felt better afterward and would do it again!
- Nature therapy can include wilderness experiences, exercise in nature, art, conservation work and more!