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Bristol nature project helps young people's wellbeing

Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project Jasmine Ibrahim sits drawing in a padAvon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project
Ms Ibrahim said the project has given her the space to "connect" with herself

An initiative has been helping young people take care of their wellbeing by "slowing down" using art and nature.

The Bridge 2 Nature project in Bristol gives participants access to therapy sessions and group outings where they learn about wildlife and draw.

Member Jasmine Ibrahim said it had helped her connect with herself again.

"I've met so many great people that I most likely wouldn't have met before, it's taught me a lot about Bristol wildlife," she said.

"I joined the project to have a change from my day-to-day life".

"It's amazing and has helped me slow down and just connect with myself and the things around me."

Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project A group of young people sitting on grass learning about green space in Bristol with trees surrounding themAvon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project
The project gives young people space to explore their identities through nature

The initiative, for people aged 14 to 25, is run by the Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife project and mental health charity Off the Record (OTR).

It is funded by the Co-op Local Community Fund and the Commoners of Durdham Down and Durdham Downs charity.

Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project Elsie Harp from OTR slides down a well known rock slide in Bristol near the Clifton Suspension BridgeAvon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project
Group leaders said they wanted to reconnect young people with the "incredible biodiversity and wildlife" in Bristol

OTR art leader Tilda Boyer said the project "empowers people" and allows them to "explore their identities".

"I feel that young people are having a really challenging time connecting with other like-minded people where they can be care free," they said.

"It can be overwhelming sometimes.

"We want people to know they don't have to be good at art, its all self-referral and there a large emphasis on people wanting to be there."

The group is due to paint a mural for street art festival Upfest, to celebrate the end of the project in May.

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