CIC programmes
CIC programmes
Natural Progress > Our social enterprise CIC > CIC Programmes
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We’re currently designing a range of education programmes, workshops and nature-based wellbeing sessions.
Here’s a small sample of what we offer.
Nature as medicine
A 12-week wellbeing programme covering a range of therapeutic nature-based topics.
Our 12-week therapeutic programme provides 3-hour nature-based sessions every week, building consistent therapeutic relationships with qualified practitioners. Participants experience progressive skill-building, confidence development, and community connection in a safe, supportive environment.
Topics covered include:
- introduction to mindfulness, meditation and breathwork;
- forest bathing, walking meditation;
- compassion-focused practice through gentle animal observation / interaction;
- planting and harvesting, cultivation patience and nurturing growth;
- creative mindfulness working with natural materials to develop self-expression and environmental appreciation.
Outcomes include reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress, improved emotional regulation, increased outdoor engagement, greater sense of purpose, and enhanced social connections.
Programme leads
Sadia
Sadia brings over 25 years of therapeutic experience, blending psychotherapy training with sound healing and nature-based interventions including mindfulness, forest bathing, and vocal expression work. She creates safe, welcoming spaces that empower individuals to discover what nature and their own voice can unlock for healing and wellbeing.
Karen
Karen creates inclusive, non-faith-based wellbeing spaces offering meditation circles, vision board workshops, craft sessions, and forest-based gatherings that welcome people from all backgrounds. Rooted in values of inclusivity and empowerment, she provides practical tools for self-discovery, believing that connections with nature, others, and oneself are essential pathways to healing.
Roots to resilience
A hands-on programme of seasonal farm activities.
We believe every child deserves the opportunity to explore nature, experience farm life and understand where their food comes from, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Roots to Resilience is a nature-based learning programme for school children, delivered at our permaculture farm. Children with limited access to nature, farm environments and outdoor learning, will be referred through local schools and community partners. Through regular, hands-on farm activities, they will explore nature, livestock and food production, develop practical skills and friendships, and build their understanding of sustainable farming and environmental stewardship.
Through Roots to Resilience, we aim to bridge the gap between children and the natural world, providing meaningful, hands-on experiences that build practical skills, confidence, curiosity and environmental awareness.
As part of this programme we:
- Work with local schools to identify children who would most benefit from this programme.
- Host six 3-hour supervised farm activity sessions at the farm – each accommodating 15 participants.
- Organise hands-on seasonal tasks including planting, animal care, hedgerow management, tree planting, composting, sowing and harvesting crops.
- Include group reflection time, linking hands-on activity back to wellbeing themes.
- Deliver short talks and demonstrations to enthuse participants and provide context and meaning.
- Host a closing celebration and showcase at the farm, where participants present what they’ve grown, made, or learned.
Outcomes include:
- Improved mental health and wellbeing
- Stronger sense of identity
- Increased ambition
- Knowledge of climate change and farming practices
Programme leads
Pete
Pete started working with permaculture in 2015 and holds a permaculture design qualification. He leads on sustainable land management, livestock and food-growing practice on site, and translates hands-on farming and ecological knowledge into accessible learning for visitors and volunteers.
Ayesha
Ayesha is a trustee of a UK Islamic charitable foundation and has been recognised nationally for her community leadership. Alongside co-running the farm, she brings experience building inclusive networks and making technical and scientific thinking accessible to community audiences.