NEW Summer Courses for 2026.
WELLIES Project Success!
When Maxine first joined the WELLIES project, she was looking for ways to improve her wellbeing and build her confidence. Like many people who attend the sessions, she needed a supportive environment where she could try new things and feel welcomed.
Maxine began by attending some of the wellbeing courses offered through the project. These sessions helped her take positive steps toward improving her confidence and reconnecting with learning.
She later took part in the STEM Floristry course, where she developed new creative skills and built further confidence through working with others in a supportive group environment.
Encouraged by her experience with WELLIES, Maxine decided to enrol on Maths and English courses with Staffordshire County Council. She explained that she had always thought courses like these were “for other people” and said she would never have taken that step without the encouragement and support she received through the project.
Since then, Maxine has continued to build on these achievements and has now successfully gained employment, which represents a major milestone for her.
To thank the team, Maxine wrote a card expressing how much the project meant to her, Everyone at the WELLIES Project wishes Maxine all the best and and to let her know how PROUD we are of her!
Thumbs up for Friday WELLIES
Learning with our hands, hearts, and senses
This week at Wellies, our focus turned to forests and forest bathing – slowing down, noticing more, and reconnecting with the natural world in ways that support wellbeing.
Participants explored how time in woodland environments can help calm the mind, improve focus, and support both mental and physical health.
designing and building nature-friendly habitats
burning, carving, and painting woodland-inspired designs
creating spaces to invite insects, birds, and biodiversity into the Wellies garden
There’s something powerful about learning that starts with noticing… and ends with creating something real.
A big thank you to our The National Lottery Community Fund participants for the care, creativity, and curiosity they brought to the space this week. 
Small actions. Calm moments. Lasting impact.
WELLIES Derbyshire: Nature and Wellbeing.
Growing Together: WELLIES Nature Project
As the WELLIES Nature Project has progressed, weeks four to six have marked a meaningful shift – moving from exploration and learning, into reflection, confidence-building, and planning what comes next together.
These weeks have shown how spending time in nature, learning new skills, and connecting with others can support wellbeing in powerful and lasting ways.
Weeks 4–5: Learning, Creativity, and Connection with Nature
Weeks four and five focused on deepening understanding of the natural world through hands-on learning and creative exploration.
Participants explored topics such as hedgerows, native plants, fungi, wildlife, and soil health, using nature journaling to capture ideas through drawing, writing, collage, and reflection. Sessions were calm and inclusive, allowing everyone to take part at their own pace.
Week five placed a particular focus on soil health, encouraging participants to look closely at what lies beneath our feet. Soil samples from different environments were examined for texture, colour, and structure, helping participants understand soil as a living system that supports plants, wildlife, and people.
Alongside learning, practical activities such as caring for raised beds and creative sessions inspired by fungi helped reinforce how everything in nature is connected.
Week 6: Reflection, Feedback, and the Learner Forum
Week six brought participants together for a learner forum, creating space to reflect on the previous weeks and share honest feedback about their experiences.
Participants spoke openly about how attending WELLIES has supported their:
- Emotional wellbeing – feeling calmer, more positive, and proud of showing up
- Physical wellbeing – fresh air, gentle movement, improved routines, and better sleep
- Social wellbeing – feeling less isolated, building real connections, and developing a sense of belonging
- Environmental awareness – increased knowledge of soil health, fungi, pond life, hedgerows, and caring for shared spaces
Themes such as kindness, routine, shared meals, teamwork, and learning together were repeatedly highlighted. Many participants described feeling accepted, understood, and more confident as a result of being part of the group.
The session also looked forward, with participants helping to shape future activities — reinforcing WELLIES’ commitment to being learner-led, inclusive, and responsive.
Week 7: A Warm Welcome and British Bugs & Pollinators
Week seven marks the start of the next phase of the project and welcomes new and returning participants. If you would like to join us visit: Get Involved | The WELLIES Project
As we move in to week 7 of our Lottery funded project here is a little look at what it includes:
- Welcome and introductions
- Group agreements and check-ins
- Nature quiz and journaling focused on British bugs and pollinators
- Woodshed activities creating bird feeders and hedgehog houses
- Bug house design work linked to our open day and number trail (ongoing)
The session offers a gentle introduction to the programme through discussion, creativity, and practical making.
What’s Coming Up Next (Weeks 8–9)
Week 8 – British Birds
Participants will explore British birds through:
- Nature quizzes and journaling
- Bird-themed crafts, including handmade bookmarks
- Big Garden Bird Watch predictions
- Creative photography focusing on water reflections
- Woodshed sessions preparing bird feeders
Week 9 – Big Garden Bird Watch
This week connects participants to a national citizen-science initiative:
- Taking part in the Big Garden Bird Watch
- Journaling and discussion on threats to birds and how we can help
- Sharing and presenting findings
- Group discussion on birdwatching and its impact on physical and emotional wellbeing
- Nature-based craft using acorn log slices and pyrography
Who Is the WELLIES Nature Project For?
The WELLIES Nature Project is open to Derbyshire residents who would benefit from:
- Spending time in nature
- Gentle, hands-on activities
- Creative learning
- Social connection and routine
Through learning, reflection, and shared experiences, WELLIES continues to support people to grow in confidence, wellbeing, and connection — with nature and with one another.
WELLIES Nature Project — A Wonderful Start to Our Lottery-Funded Journey
We are now three weeks into our WELLIES Nature Project, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund — and the energy, creativity and teamwork from our learners has been inspiring.
Each Friday, adults recovering from poor mental health join us at Chapel on the Hill, Somersal Herbert, to reconnect with nature, build confidence, learn new skills and enjoy time outdoors together. Many participants come through referrals from mental health teams, social prescribers and community organisations, and for some, this is their first step back into learning, volunteering or work.
Thanks to Lottery support, this 20-week project gives people a safe, welcoming place to grow — in every sense.
Week One — Settling In & Starting to Explore Nature
Our first week focused on getting to know each other, settling in and beginning to look at the outdoor spaces we will be improving over the next few months. Learners explored the grounds, shared their experiences around nature and wellbeing, and contributed to our Environmental Action Plan.
We also looked at early seasonal clues outdoors — changes in leaves, weather, wildlife and colour — and began talking about what the winter and spring months might bring.
Week Two — Autumn, Seasons & Pond Life
In Week Two, our focus turned to Autumn and the changes happening around us. Learners explored seasonal plants and leaves, created nature-based crafts and investigated ways to support pond biodiversity in the WELLIES garden.
We discussed how healthier pond habitats can help insects, amphibians and birds — and how even small actions can make a big difference.
There were also lovely hands-on activities: leaf printing, nature collecting, journaling and observations to support our environmental learning.
Week Three — Planting, Preparing & Getting Stuck In
By Week Three, we were outside with gloves, compost and lots of enthusiasm! Our group planted hundreds of bulbs, prepared raised beds, tidied pathways and began the first steps of our habitat-creation work.
Activities included:
- Bulb planting in pots and beds
- Clearing spaces for spring planting
- Reviewing ideas from our Environmental Impact Report
- Working together on early habitat features
- Tea, laughter and teamwork (essential parts of every WELLIES Friday!)
The sense of achievement has been palpable — and the garden is already starting to change.
Why This Project Matters
Many of our learners face challenges such as anxiety, depression and isolation. Spending time in green spaces, working with plants, creating things with their hands and connecting with others helps build:
- confidence
- structure and routine
- physical activity
- social connection
- a sense of calm
- purpose and pride
The difference we’ve seen already is something to celebrate.
A Huge Thank You
A warm thank you to The National Lottery Community Fund for making this project possible — and to every participant, staff member and volunteer who has helped make the first three weeks such a success.
This is only the beginning.
We can’t wait to share more as the project grows.
