Wild Workforce CIC, founded in April 2025, is dedicated to promoting green health activities and learning. The organisation will deliver 40 bespoke Green Health workshops across various locations in Perthshire in the coming months. These workshops are designed to connect individuals with the natural environment through a diverse range of activities, including bushcraft, movement for healthy ageing, nature crafts, guided walking, mindful practices, and outdoor games. Initial workshop sites include Kinnoull Hill, Blairgowrie, Perth Royal Infirmary grounds, and South Inch, ensuring accessibility across the region.
In our increasingly busy and often stressful lives, the disconnect from nature can significantly impact mental and physical health. Green Health – the practice of engaging with the natural environment – is increasingly recognised for its ability to reduce stress, improve mood, and help prevent long-term conditions. However, structured, accessible, and inclusive opportunities for nature-based interventions are often limited. The challenge lies in providing these vital opportunities to a wide range of groups, ensuring that the benefits of connecting with nature are accessible to all who need them.
NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation has stepped forward with crucial financial support from our Innovation and Prevention Funds, enabling Wild Workforce CIC to deliver these valuable workshops. Our support is aligned with our commitment to initiatives that help people live better and longer lives.
Shelley McCarthy, our Charity Chief Officer, expressed our enthusiasm for the partnership: “We’re delighted to support Wild Workforce in their inspiring work. At NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation, we believe strongly in the power of nature to promote mental wellbeing. This partnership reflects our shared ambition to build healthier, more resilient communities.”
Clare Stephen, Founder of Wild Workforce CIC, shared her excitement about the recognition and impact: “We’re thrilled that NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation has recognised the growing need for Green Health provision in the region. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. We’re building on powerful evidence that connecting with nature reduces stress, while supporting emotional and physical resilience."
Brian Jones, Trustee of NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation, reiterated the foundational belief behind the investment: “By investing in nature-based interventions like those delivered by Wild Workforce, we’re not only improving mental and physical wellbeing but also helping to build stronger, more connected communities across Perthshire.”
The 40 Green Health workshops will have a direct and measurable impact on participants. By offering a diverse range of activities, Wild Workforce CIC aims to improve mood, reduce stress, and prevent long-term conditions. The initiative will particularly focus on a range of groups, including young people, NHS staff, and adult mental health services, ensuring broad community benefit. The ability to measure outcomes will further validate the powerful evidence that connecting with nature supports emotional and physical resilience. This direct engagement with nature is expected to foster stronger, more connected communities across Perthshire.
One of the first groups to experience these benefits will be staff from PKAVS, a major Perth and Kinross charity. Shaheena Din, PKAVS Chief Executive, commented, “We’re delighted to be partnering with Wild Workforce CIC as part of our commitment to building a healthier, more compassionate workplace. Our values guide everything we do at PKAVS – and we know wellbeing starts from within. When we care for our people, we’re better placed to care for our community.”
