Evening nature therapy trip to Cameron’s Cottage in the New Forest

On Thursday 22nd January, our younger Nature Therapy group enjoyed a memorable evening trip to Cameron’s Cottage in the heart of the New Forest. The visit offered young people a valuable opportunity to connect with nature after dark, build confidence, and take part in shared outdoor activities in a calm, supportive environment.

We were delighted to be supported by Alresford Community Minibus, who kindly provided transport for the group. We are also incredibly grateful to the Cameron Bespolka Trust, whose generous funding covered all costs of the trip and made this opportunity possible.

Once at Cameron’s Cottage, young people became fully immersed in the outdoor setting. Activities were carefully planned to encourage teamwork, practical learning, and gentle challenge. The group worked together to collect firewood, took turns lighting the campfire, and learned essential outdoor skills in a safe and supported way. These moments helped build confidence, trust, and a sense of achievement.

A highlight of the evening was learning how to use Kelly kettles to make hot chocolate, followed by cooking marshmallows over the fire and enjoying hotdogs together. Sharing food outdoors around the campfire created a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere, giving young people time to chat, laugh, and feel part of a group.

The session was expertly led by Laura from Cameron’s Cottage, whose warmth, knowledge, and enthusiasm helped young people feel at ease and supported throughout the evening. Her guidance ensured everyone could take part at their own pace while gaining new experiences and skills.

At Winchester Youth Counselling, nature therapy plays an important role in supporting young people’s emotional wellbeing. Outdoor experiences like this help reduce anxiety, build resilience, and encourage positive connections with both nature and peers. Evenings spent outdoors can be especially powerful, offering a different perspective and a sense of calm away from everyday pressures.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone involved in making this trip such a success. Experiences like these would not be possible without the generosity, collaboration, and commitment of our community partners.