Building Nature Connections with The Wave Project

Our Education Team have been getting 2024 off to a great start with nature sessions to support young people’s mental and physical wellbeing.

The Wave Project is an organisation that aims to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of young people and their families through the power of surf therapy. During the winter months when surfing becomes cold and difficult, they organise events to keep young people connected with nature. We have a partnership with them to assist with running events like urban birdwatching and night-time safaris around London.

We joined the Wave Project along with young people and their families as they explored the woodland in Sydenham Hill and planted an oak tree with the help of the London Wildlife Trust. Oak trees are one of the most important of our native trees and are home to the most species: 2,300!

We also spotted some grey squirrels, blue tits, a pair of great-spotted woodpeckers, and passed a bridge that is home to roosting bats.

Dani Crowley, Education Officer at the Linnean Society, said: “The Wave Project do such important work and show that having a connection with nature is so important for our overall wellbeing. It’s great to see the kids having fun and learning in nature, and their parents have a great time too! It’s amazing for us to do community engagement and outreach with them and explore nature in London.”