We wanted to understand whether the impact of our outdoor wellbeing group, Growing New Roots, lasted beyond the sessions themselves. We initially ran these groups from 2021-2025, and we contacted past participants from all four years, to ask them to reflect on their experiences.
The results of our follow-up survey are now in, and they show that the group’s impact extends far beyond their time with us. Participants described lasting changes to their wellbeing, confidence and day-to-day lives, with some saying the effects continue to influence them years later.
Nature as a Chance to Reset
Participants spoke powerfully about the impact of spending time outdoors. Nature wasn’t simply the setting for the group — it was a central part of the experience and its effect on wellbeing.
“The grounding at the start… to settle and tune into our surroundings and nature was a beautiful thing.”
“The group really opened my eyes to the beauty of the natural landscape around us. I always thought you had to go somewhere exotic to see such diverse flora/fauna but to realise it is on our doorstep was incredible. I gained a new love for the downland and enjoy sharing it with others. I feel more connected to the landscape.”
Many described how slowing down and paying attention to the natural world helped them step away from stress, anxiety and difficult circumstances. For some, it offered moments of calm that were otherwise hard to find.
“It made me feel happy every Friday, a feeling I have not felt in years.”
Others described continuing these practices beyond the group itself, carrying mindfulness and a stronger connection to nature into their everyday lives.
Connection — with others and with themselves
Alongside the benefits of being outdoors, participants highlighted the importance of social connection. Many valued the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds who shared similar experiences or challenges.
“Having nature and the outdoors as a common ground made it easier to be around new people, despite being from all walks of life. It made conversations easier, allowed me to focus on something else other than the negative things were happening in my own life.”
“The group reminded me to be kinder to myself and others.”
“I suffer with agoraphobia and PTSD, the group enabled me to expand my world and gave me a reason to leave the house.”
“Meeting people in a similar place helped me feel less alone”
For some, these connections continued long after the sessions had ended.
“I’ve met some incredible people who still catch up three years on… and have a very close friend from the group.”
“I live alone and sometimes I don’t talk to anyone all week. Coming here has made me feel part of society again. It’s given me new options for things to do and visit places I would never have gone to on my own. I’ve made friends on the course and we’re going out walking next week.”
These responses highlight that the group’s impact was not only immediate. For many participants, it helped build lasting relationships, confidence and ongoing support networks.
Building confidence and new opportunities
A large number of responses show how the group acted as a catalyst for change. Participants described increased confidence, a willingness to try new things, and a shift in how they saw themselves.
“It has given me the courage to do more.”
“It made me a much more positive person who has said yes to various opportunities since. I’ve completed training courses, volunteered, had paid employment and now work in my dream job, but only possible due to my experience of Growing New Roots. I learned how to shift my focus from negative aspects of life onto other things, being shown that there are good people in the world, that connecting with others is possible, and that nature is full of awesome mind blowing stuff and is on our doorstep… the list goes on!”
For some, this led to volunteering, training, or even new careers.
“I returned to work after burnout with a new sense of self… The sessions allowed me time and space to think. I am now a qualified advanced wilderness therapeutic practitioner.”
“I did the group over 2 years ago. Because of this I’ve actively sought employment outside low paid care work using my skills and knowledge more akin to my value base and qualifications.”
“I’ve completed training courses, volunteered, had paid employment… only possible due to my experience of Growing New Roots.”
Some have continued engaging with nature-based groups, volunteering, or community projects. Others have integrated what they learned into their personal or professional lives.
These stories show that the group’s impact goes far beyond wellbeing sessions—it can be a turning point, helping people rebuild confidence and re-engage with life.
A Space to feel safe, welcomed and able to reconnect
One of the clearest themes across responses was the importance of the group environment itself. Participants consistently described the sessions as supportive, welcoming and free from judgement — a space where they felt able to relax and be themselves.
“The way the group was facilitated created a safe space where we were able to be vulnerable… held with such gentle warmth and kindness.”
“I experience overwhelm and have bouts of low self esteem, fear and anxiety which at times can feel crippling. Because I felt safe in the facilitated structure of the group, I was able to take a step back and breathe. I got a different perspective on things and began to relax.”
The role of skilled and compassionate facilitators was mentioned repeatedly. Participants valued not only the activities themselves, but the feeling of being listened to, supported and included.
For many, this sense of safety created the conditions for everything else: feeling able to open up, connect with others and engage more fully with the experience.
What made the difference?
Across all responses, a few key elements consistently stand out:
- A safe, supportive environment where people felt accepted
- Connection to nature as a grounding, calming influence
- Meaningful social interaction and lasting relationships
- Skilled, compassionate facilitation
- Opportunities to learn, grow and contribute
- Space to reflect and reset
It’s the combination of these factors—not any single element—that seems to create such a powerful experience.
Growing something that lasts
Growing New Roots lives up to its name. Many participants described changes that continued long after the programme had ended — including greater confidence, stronger connections, improved wellbeing and a renewed sense of hope.
The responses in this survey show that even a short six-week programme can have a meaningful and lasting impact when it is grounded in care, community and connection with nature.
As one participant put it:
“It was a truly life changing experience.”
Most importantly, participants described changes that did not simply fade after the sessions ended, but continued to influence their daily lives, relationships and wellbeing over time.
Find out more
The next phase of Growing New Roots groups started in 2026, and group dates & applications are available on this website.
This blog reviews the previous groups which ran from 2021-2025, as part of the Changing Chalk project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and People’s Postcode Lottery and led by The National Trust.
