Building on the work developed through Wilde Earth Journeys, the Foundation recognises that nature is not simply a leisure activity. Access to green spaces, meaningful outdoor activity and supportive social connections can play an important role in preventing poor health, reducing isolation and helping people build confidence, purpose and resilience.
The Foundation particularly works alongside people who can experience barriers to traditional services or community participation. This includes young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), veterans, people living with dementia and their families, people experiencing poor mental health or loneliness, and people who are socially isolated.
Its approach is practical and community-based. Activities include Nature on Prescription and social prescribing, therapeutic and wellbeing gardens at GP surgeries, community wellbeing walks, conservation activities, animal-assisted learning, mentoring, skills development and opportunities for volunteering and peer connection.
For young people, nature provides an alternative environment in which they can develop skills, confidence and relationships without the pressures they may have experienced in more conventional settings. The Foundation's NEET work combines practical activity with mentoring and personal development, helping young people recognise their strengths and identify pathways towards education, training and employment.
The Foundation also works with healthcare professionals to develop nature-based approaches to health and prevention. Through Nature on Prescription and its developing GP Garden programme, people can be referred into welcoming, non-clinical environments where gardening, physical activity, social connection and time outdoors can support both mental and physical wellbeing.
Alongside this, the Foundation supports veterans, including people adjusting to civilian life, by creating opportunities for connection, purpose and peer support. Its work with people living with dementia and their families uses meaningful activity, nature, sensory experiences and social interaction to support wellbeing and quality of life.
Underlying all of this is a simple principle:
Connection — to nature, to others and to ourselves.
The Wilde & Well Foundation does not seek to replace health, housing, social care or community services. Instead, it works collaboratively with those organisations to create accessible pathways into community and nature-based support. By bringing together charities, healthcare professionals, housing providers, local organisations and people with lived experience, the Foundation aims to help communities move from simply responding to crisis towards prevention, participation, belonging and long-term wellbeing.
