engagement
Community
Our approach
At Heal, we are dedicated to ensuring that the work we do involves and benefits our communities.
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Our approach is to see things through a people lens, asking ourselves ‘How can Heal help the community?’. By working closely with our neighbours and community partners, we are co-developing plans and opportunities that make a difference. This not only maximises the benefit to people but also fosters a deeper involvement and embeds us in the community.
“It's been fantastic collaborating with Heal Rewilding's Community Engagement Manager Julia. Her team has delivered a series of engaging talks and site visits for our groups, all of which our participants have thoroughly enjoyed. They go to great efforts in making their project accessible to our groups, many of whom need additional support in accessing the countryside. Our trips to Heal have been wonderful for our groups' wellbeing”
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- Zak Mather-Gratton, Project Officer at Frog Life
Bridging the inequality gap in nature connection and wellbeing
We want rewilding to be accessible to everyone so that all individuals can experience the wellbeing benefits that nature provides. By collaborating with the council, community networks and charities, we have developed relevant and inclusive opportunities that can bring about transformative change to people’s lives.
The journey already has been extraordinary. We've had people living with dementia strolling through birdsong, groups with poor mental health inhaling the freshness of ground ivy, teenagers with special needs gasping at camera trap footage, and children with disabilities peering under microscopes as their parents breathed their way through mindful movement.
“I felt a real affinity to the place, as if I was coming home”
- Community group visitor
The Village Fields
The Village Fields are a co-created space with our neighbouring village, Witham Friary. The 30-acre piece of land, located next to the village, is used by Witham residents for walking, resting and community events. Our Village Fields Committee (pictured below) comprises five Witham residents who work with us to develop and deliver plans that benefit both the villagers and nature.
Get involved
If you have a group that could benefit from coming to our site or learning more about rewilding, please contact our Community Engagement Manager via email at julia.galbenu@healrewilding.org.uk.
Volunteer as a Community Engagement Leader
Volunteers play a significant role in our community engagement work. If you are passionate about delivering meaningful engagement to diverse groups, please consider volunteering as a Community Engagement Leader.