Access, inclusion and food! Connecting communities with nature in Dorset

The opportunity 

Nature connectedness means different things to different people, and their needs vary too.

Whether someone faces a physical barrier due to illness or disability, or a cultural barrier, feeling a sense of belonging in the UK’s incredible green spaces can be a challenge. And this needs to change.  

This is a unique opportunity to support two of Dorset’s incredible access and inclusion projects: Nature Buddies and FLAVOURS.  

These projects offer a business the unique opportunity to support innovative schemes that boost the health and wellbeing of those who have traditionally been left behind.  

The projects

You can fund either or both of these projects. To find out more about them individually, click the links below.

FLAVOURS

The FLAVOURS project reaches people from ethnic minority and refugee backgrounds living throughout Dorset, and helps them to discover and explore their local landscape.

Bringing groups to farms and open spaces for tasting workshops, picnics, recipe swaps, baking and cookery classes and more, FLAVOURS helps to build confidence for people to connect in nature and feel a sense of belonging. 

Already underway, the project has already facilitated a number of outings and visits, engaging people and their families across Dorset. Many of these were Ukrainian refugee families.  

With your help, this project can continue to connect those in need with their communities, local producers, and with each other. Help us to nurture the cultural diversity of our National Landscapes and thrive alongside nature, together. 

Find out more about the project’s progress. 

Nature Buddies

Nature Buddies seeks to overcome both the physical and interpersonal boundaries to nature access.

Trained volunteers provide the one-to-one support that many individuals need to be able to enjoy the outdoors, whatever barriers they may face. This way, each person gets the tailored assistance they need to immerse themselves safely in nature, and access those incredible health and wellness benefits.  

In addition, much of the information about accessible locations, spaces, and activities throughout Dorset is scattered and out of date. The team would like to create a centralised resource for accessibility information.

This resource would be printed and virtual, providing a single point of reference for a user. The team wants to facilitate as many of its community to enjoy the National Landscape as possible, and ensure that Dorset is a welcoming, inclusive destination.  

This project offers a business the chance to support access and inclusivity in a multi-faceted way, with tangible outcomes. 

Find out more about the project’s progress to date.  

Key outputs

Your business can be a part of increasing the access and inclusion to Dorset through these creative and fulfilling community projects.

Here's a breakdown of some of the key outputs that each project will produce.

FLAVOURS

• More people from ethnically diverse communities connecting with Dorset’s landscapes through outdoor activities.
• Greater awareness and appreciation of Dorset’s landscape, local food production, and the cultural significance of its spaces.
• Stronger community cohesion through shared experiences in Dorset’s natural and cultural settings.
• Promotion of healthier lifestyles and a deeper, more sustainable connection with nature.
• Support for local food producers, sustainable agriculture, and the local food economy.
• Preservation of Dorset’s cultural and environmental heritage for future generations.

Talk to use about how we can measure these outputs which can be tailored to the needs and interests of your business.

Nature Buddies

These can be discussed and adjusted with potential business partners.  

• The expansion of an exemplar access and inclusion project where every individual counts.  
• ~100 additional volunteers recruited and upskilled. 
• Accessibility audits carried out on more sites to enable and expand the impact of the network.  
• An accessibility resource developed for the area, in collaboration with other organisations for the greatest impact. The output could be a physical and online booklet which details accessible locations, spaces, and activities throughout Dorset. The information exists but is largely out of date and not centralised, so this resource would provide a single point of reference. 
• Better information available on site – this could be more interpretation boards and signage, updating what already exists, adding more accessible options etc. 
• Helping more people to enjoy nature-based activities.  
• Corporate visit days – come and immerse yourself in the network! 
  
  

Interested in supporting community access and inclusion projects?

Get in touch with our team today.