Rooted Together: A Rewilding Communities Project

Our Story: Rooted Together: A Rewilding Communities Project

At CultureWood, our journey began in 2019, when I and four Hertfordshire-based residents came together with a shared vision: to connect people with nature and each other. We were driven by a passion for protecting and enhancing the natural world while creating spaces for people to thrive—physically, mentally, and socially.

As a community, we’ve worked side by side to create outdoor spaces where we learn, grow, and make decisions together. Through nature-based activities like woodcraft, forest schools, and wellbeing programmes, we’ve built strong relationships and helped combat isolation and loneliness.

Now, we’re expanding our reach with Rooted Together Program to reach more families and groups across Hertfordshire. Our vision is to foster healthier, more connected communities by using the outdoors as a tool for mental health support, physical activity, and environmental education. This project will also inspire a love for protecting and preserving our local green spaces for generations to come.

We need your help to grow this movement. Together, we can create a brighter future by building communities that are not only connected to each other but also to the incredible natural world around us. Let’s make it happen!

What some of our past participants and volunteers have said:

“It brought sense of belonging & connection due to our programme leader cultivating a safe space where I felt comfortable to share vulnerable thoughts. Learning new skills (lighting a fire from scratch, carving Elder branches & building an invention) helped my self confidence, to see that I can achieve something in each session. “

“Keeping these objects in a space where I can see them at home, reminds me of the sessions which helps me feel a sense purpose. Reading my intention stick out loud on a regularly basis makes me feel strong. The positive impacts of the sessions are still working. “

“Being able to cook together on a fire, build camaraderie in our group. It’s a powerful way to build connection & I let my guard down, when there’s food involved. “

“Thank you so much for the great session that you delivered on Saturday.  I have passed high praise to lots of my friends about this magical event.  Keep doing what you love.”

“Today I spent the morning with  CultureWood and 13 other intrepid explorers as we got to know more about the Commons Woodland Nature Reserve! Definitely get yourself along to a  session if you can!”

Rooted Together: Project Summaries

Rooted together is a transformative two-year initiative connecting communities through nature-based activities to improve wellbeing, foster relationships, and promote environmental stewardship.

    1.    Refugee Family Support Programme: Therapeutic woodcraft and wellbeing sessions designed to reduce isolation, support mental health recovery, and foster community connections for refugee families.

    2.    Community Woodcraft for Wellbeing: Inclusive workshops offering mindfulness, forest schools, and therapeutic programmes for families, adults, and those living in hardship.

    3.    Bat Walk and Talk Events: Free, accessible sessions educating participants about bat conservation using specialist equipment like detectors and IR cameras.

    4.    Forest Garden Development: Creation of a sustainable community hub in Welwyn Garden City to host workshops on foraging, natural dyeing, and sustainable living, alongside therapeutic and educational activities.

    5.    Elders of the Woods: A new programme offering therapeutic woodcraft activities tailored for older people, particularly those living with dementia. Designed with specialists, this initiative supports memory stimulation, social connection, and mental wellbeing.

Each project within Rooted Together is community-driven, with hundreds of volunteer hours, and aims to strengthen community bonds, provide accessible wellbeing opportunities, and encourages a deeper connection with nature. Together, they create a legacy of resilience and sustainability.