Nature does not hurry, yet everything is achieved – Lao Tzu
Compared with similar countries, people in
the United Kingdom visit nature less and have
a weaker connection with nature – across 18
‘Western’ countries the UK’s level of nature
connection was 16th out of 18. This is perhaps
no surprise as the UK is one of the most nature
depleted countries in the world.
The Nature Connection Handbook
Why did Wilder Minds CIC start?
At Wilder Minds, our work goes beyond connecting people with nature — we also exist to support the incredible community of wildlife rehabilitators who care for our native species every day. We know that rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife can be challenging, isolating, and sometimes overwhelming, so we’re committed to building a strong, supportive network.
Through Wilder Minds, rehabilitators can access practical guidance, training opportunities, and peer support, helping them develop skills, share knowledge, and feel part of a wider community. By strengthening this network, we aim not only to improve care for wildlife but also to foster wellbeing among the people who dedicate themselves to it — because supporting those who help nature is just as important as helping nature itself.
Wilder Minds began from a simple but powerful realisation — that nature heals.
After several years running a wildlife rescue, I saw first hand how time spent caring for injured animals and being close to the natural world could bring calm, purpose, and connection to people who were struggling with their mental health. There was something about working alongside wildlife — something grounding, instinctive, and deeply human — that helped people start to heal themselves.
When I became a parent in 2020, I discovered another side of this connection. I loved taking my daughter to outdoor nature sessions and watching her explore, but I also noticed how difficult it could be for families to afford or access those experiences regularly. It made me wonder: what if nature-based wellbeing and family connection didn’t have to come with a price barrier?
So, Wilder Minds CIC was born — a community interest company built on the belief that everyone deserves the chance to reconnect with nature, regardless of income or background. Our mission is to create opportunities for people to spend meaningful time outdoors, to discover the benefits of wildlife, and to nurture both personal and community wellbeing — naturally.
Our Community Partners
As a Community Interest Company, we rely on grant funding to help us provide free and low cost services to the local community. We are incredibly grateful to the amazing organisations who have supported us and enabled us to help people across Lincolnshire.
The National Lottery Community Fund
The National Lottery Community Fund have enabled us to run free nature sessions at our site in Wood Enderby over a two year period.
Horncastle Health and Wellbeing Fund
The Horncastle Health and Wellbeing Fund have kindly funded equipment to help make our outdoor sessions more accessible to those who struggle with mobility.
Mental Health & Wellbeing Community Investment Fund
The Mental Health & Wellbeing Community Investment Fund enabled us to run outdoor sessions for adults to help improve their wellbeing.