Woodland for Wellbeing – a nature-based mental health initiative in Lewisham  

Help improve your mental wellbeing by connecting with nature in a meaningful way

This new project in Lewisham is designed for people who want to improve their mental health and wellbeing by engaging with nature in a woodland under the guidance of a qualified horticultural therapist.

Activities include nature conservation, tree surveys, planting, and maintaining the woodland, all of which are known to support mental and emotional wellbeing. No experience necessary and a variety of mindful activities to suit different abilities.

Start date: 8^th May 2025
Duration: 6 week pilot program from 8/5 until 12/6 Sessions are for 2 hours from 10-12 and you will required to attend all sessions
Location: Wild Cat Wilderness Woodland, Bellingham near the Bellingham Play Park
Focus: Activities designed to improve mental health through nature connection, including hands-on tasks like woodland care and maintenance in a small group in a supportive environment

More info on our website www.wildcatwilderness.org or email Maria wcw@rgtb.org.uk and Jermaine jermaine@lewishamlocal.com

This project is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.

Ask to be referred by your GP, social prescriber or self refer by emailing

We have two free outdoor spring events over the Easter holidays.
Popcorn on the campfire, egg decorating and bunny art
Wednesday 9th April. 10-1PM.
Egg hunt and natural painting – outdoor Easter fun
Thursday 17th April 10-2pm
For more info and to book visit the What’s on page of our website. https://wildcatwilderness.org/whats-on/
Please book for all adults and children coming.

Join us this half term for some outdoor fun at our community green space in Catford. Events are free but if you are able please make a donation to our charity on the day.

Wild pancakes and nest building Sunday 16th Feb 10-1pm
Last entry 11.30am.
In celebration of pancake day we will be making (vegan) pancakes on the campfire. We will also be learning about and building birds nests.

Gruffalo winter nature hunt Weds 19th Feb 10-12.30pm.
Last entry 11am
All ages welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Book via our website https://wildcatwilderness.org/whats-on/

Wassail – celebrate our fruit trees 18/1/25 2-4pm.
Everyone welcome and suitable for all ages.Did you know that the Wild Cat Wilderness is classified as a veteran orchard because of our many old trees, plus we planted a new orchard?

Our first community event of 2025 will be a wassail which is an ancient custom of visiting orchards and reciting incantations and singing to the trees to promote a good harvest for the coming year. There will be instrument making, music and singing and a procession to visit our old and new apple trees. The Rushey Green Timebank choir will be singing and encouraging you to join in some traditional wassail songs. This will be followed by storytelling and mulled cider and apple juice around the campfire. Please bring any instruments.
All welcome but booking essential. Donation for drinks so please bring cash. Entry from 1.30, last entry 2pm sorry no latecomers.

RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch 10.30-1pm. Last entry 11.30
Join us at the Wilderness to record what birds we have on site. All welcome.
Learn about birds and help make some bird feeders. We have a limited number of binoculars available to use but if you have your own please bring them. Vegetarian campfire stew available so please bring cash. Please book a place for everyone attending inc adults and children.

We have three wreath making events this year on the mornings of the 6th, 8th or 13th December – just make a donation to our Woodland for Wellbeing project

Make a wild Christmas wreath or table decoration for the festive period using natural materials from our community green space. This workshop is suitable for adults and children and will take place in our kitchen or classroom depending on numbers (these are covered spaces but open to the elements so wrap up warm). We will provide the materials and you can hunt around the site for things to add to your creation. This is a fundraiser for our Woodland for Wellbeing project launching next year which will help recovery from mental health problems, so please be generous. The suggested donation is £15-£20 per wreath but if you can’t afford this then please pay what you can afford or get in touch for a free place wcw@rgtb.org.uk. Please note this is for a two hour drop in session and you will need at least an hour to make your wreath. If you want to make more than one wreath then please book another space. You are welcome to bring someone with you to help and children can play in our safe space.

Hot drinks and our homemade chutneys for Christmas will be available to buy on the day so please bring cash/ loose change.

Booking via Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/wreath-making-2803219

We need your feedback so please fill in our survey. As a local charity this will help us plan for the future and provide feedback to our funders – The National Lottery Community Fund. Your answers will help us understand the benefits people experience from coming to the Wild Cat Wilderness so we can help more people to take part in future and make it a better place for you. Take part here and you could win a hamper of Wild Cat Wilderness goodies. Thank you