Objective 2

Support Community Nature Engagement

At the heart of Laurel’s Wood CIC is our commitment to fostering community connections through nature. Our mission is to create a space where everyone can come together and experience the physical and mental wellbeing benefits of being immersed in the natural world. Spending time outdoors has proven positive effects on both health and happiness, with Natural England’s People and Nature Survey (Dec 2023) showing that over 80% of adults in England feel happier in nature.

Nature’s Benefits

The benefits of spending time in nature are widely reported, with people feeling calmer, more at peace and connected to the environment when immersed in the great outdoors. Numerous research studies highlight that exposure to nature can reduce stress, make us less aggressive, more creative, more civic-minded and healthier overall.

Read more about the Benefits of Nature

Breaking Barriers

Despite these benefits, access to the outdoors is not always easy or equal. Barriers like poor public transport, health issues (physical and mental), financial struggles, limited urban green spaces and lack of inclusivity mean many people are less likely to visit natural spaces.

Natural England’s Survey indicates clear inequalities in opportunity for engagement with nature. Those on low incomes, ethnic minority groups, the elderly, and those with poor health are less likely to visit natural spaces. This deepens health inequalities and reduces opportunities for nature engagement.

Connecting Everyone

At Laurel’s Wood, we are dedicated to breaking down these barriers. We aim to make our woodland space accessible to everyone and offer transformative outdoor experiences to those who might not typically have access.

From bespoke outdoor learning sessions for schools to charity support and community-led initiatives, our aim is to reduce green space poverty providing immersive, engaging and inclusive woodland activities that connect people to the natural world and enhance their wellbeing.

What We Offer the Community

Key Objectives

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Key Objectives

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Key Objectives ✽ Key Objectives ✽

  • Red squirrel

    Objective 1

    Protect Nature and Wildlife

    Laurel’s Wood CIC launched a 10-year Woodland Management Plan, which aims to ensure long-term resilience and sustainability.

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  • Kids playing in Laurel's Wood

    Objective 2

    Support Community Nature Engagement

    At Laurel’s Wood CIC, we aim to connect communities with nature, providing a space where everyone can enjoy its wellbeing benefits.

    Learn more
  • Toasting marshmallows on a fire

    Objective 3

    Provide A Venue for Businesses

    Laurel’s Wood CIC aims to provide a venue for businesses with shared values to deliver services, by creating and maintaining a useable woodland space.

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  • Table decorated for an event at Laurel's Wood

    Objective 4

    Provide A Venue for Events

    We aim to provide a versatile venue suitable for a wide range of events — from wellbeing retreats to corporate days or charity events.

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