Woodland Wellbeing: a pilot for people with dementia

The purpose of this paper is to understand whether a woodland-based intervention might offer something helpful and engaging for people affected by dementia. In total, 18 people came to Woodland Wellbeing groups over summer and autumn in 2016.

The authors made observations during the groups, kept some notes and conducted some interviews around three months after people had participated in Woodland Wellbeing.

Feedback from participants indicated themes around connection with nature and to one another; the joy in new learning and activities; and the inspirational impact of feeling part of nature.

This paper adds to the growing literature on natural approaches in supporting the wellbeing of people affected by dementia, and highlights the value of partnership working.