Meaningful Measures Ltd has published a new independent evaluation of the Mendip Nature Connections project, revealing significant improvements in mental wellbeing, reduced anxiety, and stronger social connection among participants.

Commissioned by the Mendip Hills National Landscape team, the evaluation assessed the impact of the programme delivered between April 2024 and April 2025. Mendip Nature Connections built on the earlier Somerset Nature Connections model and aimed to support adults experiencing mental health challenges, disability, or social isolation through structured, nature-based activities.

The programme offered five six-week courses, with opportunities for participants to continue for up to 18 weeks, alongside 27 one-off wellbeing walks and creative events. Activities took place across community gardens, farms, and nature-rich landscapes in and around Weston-super-Mare, Cheddar, and the wider Mendip Hills.

Our evaluation combined quantitative wellbeing measures with qualitative feedback from participants, volunteers, and staff. The findings show clear and consistent improvements in wellbeing. Average happiness scores increased from below the national average at the start of the programme to above average at follow-up, while anxiety scores fell markedly. Every course participant reported that taking part had been beneficial for their wellbeing.

Across the Holistic Health and Nature (H-HAN) scale, participants showed improvements in all ten wellbeing domains, including self-esteem, mood, motivation, relationships, community connection, and connection to nature. These findings were strongly supported by participant testimonies, many of whom described the programme as "life-changing" and, in some cases, life-saving.

A key strength of Mendip Nature Connections was the integration of peer volunteers with lived experience. Participants who completed the programme were supported to transition into volunteer roles, providing emotional and practical support to others. Over the year, volunteers contributed more than 400 hours of skilled time, creating significant added value for both the programme and the individuals involved.

Feedback from staff highlighted the importance of the programme's compassionate facilitation, clear structure, strong partnerships, and accessible delivery, including funded transport to ensure participation was not limited by location or mobility.

The evaluation concludes that Mendip Nature Connections delivered strong mental health, social prescribing, and community outcomes, while also identifying challenges associated with short-term funding and the emotional impact of programmes ending. We recommend longer-term investment to sustain and embed this proven model, alongside recognition of the specialist skills required to deliver high-quality nature-based wellbeing programmes.

This evaluation adds to the growing evidence base demonstrating the value of nature-based interventions in supporting mental health and reducing pressure on statutory services.

Evaluation of the Mendip Nature Connections Project (2025), Meaningful Measures Ltd - see below for the pdf of this report for you to download and read.