Making nature-based activities more inclusive with an IAP workshop

The bespoke workshop explored how the principles of inclusive activity can be applied beyond traditional sport and physical activity settings, supporting teams who use green spaces, walking and conservation activities to improve health and wellbeing.

Bringing inclusive practice into nature-based programmes

The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare is an independent non-profit organisation leading sustainable transformation in health systems. Its Green Space for Health team works with healthcare providers and community partners to deliver programmes that improve health, wellbeing and connection with nature.

These include Green Health Routes, which develop accessible walking routes and community walking groups linked to healthcare settings, and Nature Recovery Rangers, who improve green spaces across NHS sites while supporting patient recovery, staff wellbeing and biodiversity.

As the team works with people with a wide range of health conditions, mental health needs and varying levels of confidence in being active, they wanted to strengthen their knowledge of inclusive activity design and delivery.

The workshop took place at the organisation's Oxford base, with participants travelling from across the UK. Attendees included Green Space for Health project managers and directors, Nature Recovery Rangers, Trees and Woodlands Delivery Leads, and communications colleagues.

Adapting activities to meet individual needs

Delivered by tutor Callan Barber, the workshop explored practical ways to adapt activities, communicate effectively with disabled people and embed inclusion into planning from the outset.

Reflecting on the day, Callan said:

"I really enjoyed the challenge of delivering to a non-traditional audience. While the Inclusive Activity Programme is often delivered to people from sporting backgrounds, the content lends itself just as well to organisations that engage disabled people in other ways.

"Together we explored the principles of adaptation and how they apply to nature-based activities that support people with a range of health conditions. We also looked at communication, engagement and how the Nature Recovery Rangers could plan accessible activities of their own.

"The session was a real success, with learners demonstrating the ways they can build inclusion into their regular activities."

Building confidence across the team

Daniel Loveard, Green Space for Health Project Manager, organised the workshop to help strengthen inclusive practice across the Healthy by Nature programme. He said:

"As someone supporting Rangers who work with a wide range of patient groups, staff and communities, I wanted to strengthen my understanding of inclusive activity delivery and better understand the practical considerations Rangers should be making when planning and facilitating nature-based activities.

"The workshop provided a useful framework for thinking about inclusion beyond physical accessibility and reinforced the importance of understanding individual motivations, needs and barriers to participation.

"One of my key takeaways was that inclusive practice often comes from thoughtful planning and small adaptations rather than significant changes. It also highlighted the importance of building inclusion into programme design from the outset rather than treating it as an afterthought."

Putting learning into practice

For participant Ella Dixon, a Nature Recovery Ranger working with Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, the workshop provided practical tools that she can immediately apply in her role.

Ella runs gardening, conservation and nature-based sessions for patients in mental health hospitals, alongside projects to improve green spaces and staff wellbeing. She said:

"I wanted to have a more inclusive mindset when planning and running sessions, learning specifically what I needed to focus on doing differently to make more outdoor sessions inclusive.

"I learnt lots of great tips and considerations from the workshop. In particular, I learnt why it's important to consider the motivation people may have for taking part in activities, or not, and how this helps you adapt sessions to meet their individual needs.

"The practical exercise where we planned an inclusive gardening session for a case study participant was especially valuable. It helped consolidate what we'd learnt throughout the day and I feel much more confident planning inclusive sessions going forward."

Find out more

The Inclusive Activity Programme workshop can be tailored to organisations working in a wide range of sectors, helping staff develop the confidence and practical skills to make activities more inclusive for disabled people.

Whether you're delivering sport, physical activity, health programmes or nature-based