Isle Of Wight Nature Group Wins Nearly £19,000 To Boost Outdoor Wellbeing Sessions

A Ryde-based community group is celebrating a major funding boost to help more Islanders connect with nature and improve their wellbeing.

Forever Wild at Heart CIC has been awarded £18,790 from The National Lottery Community Fund to expand its popular programme of nature-based sessions for children, parents and adults across the Isle of Wight.

Founded by Forest School Leader and wellbeing facilitator Lizzie Boynton, the not-for-profit group has been running since 2018 and became a Community Interest Company in 2024.

The new funding will enable the team to deliver around 400 outdoor sessions over the next two years, creating more than 5,000 opportunities for people to take part.

Sessions will range from forest school-style adventures for children to parent–child experiences that build confidence and connection, alongside mindfulness and wellbeing sessions for adults.

Tailored small-group sessions will also be offered for new mums, people with ADHD, and women navigating menopause.

The funding will help keep sessions affordable, offer subsidised or free places, and support the group’s long-term sustainability.

Lizzie Boynton said:

“We’re absolutely delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised and supported our work.

"Thanks to National Lottery players, we can continue creating safe, inclusive spaces in nature for people to connect, rest and heal.

"This funding means we can reach more families and adults across the Isle of Wight who might otherwise struggle to access wellbeing support.”

The grant comes as part of The National Lottery Community Fund’s new strategy, It starts with community, which aims to distribute at least £4 billion to good causes by 2030 — supporting projects that bring people together, promote sustainability, and help communities thrive.

🎋 Find out more about Forever Wild at Heart at www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk.