Better Business / Member news
Belmont Estate welcomes over 16,000 to nature connection programme
More than 16,000 children and adults have taken part in nature connection sessions at Belmont Estate’s watercress farm over the past year.
The rewilding site welcomed 16,342 visitors, including 10,099 children, who participated in 675 sessions delivered through Belmont Estate’s schools, community, nurture and university programmes.
Across the academic year, participants spent more than 59,350 hours connecting with nature at the 140-acre site.
The sessions included the BE Wild schools programme, BE Closer nurture and SEND groups, BE Together community activities, and visits from students at UWE Bristol and the University of Bristol.
Across the academic year, participants spent more than 59,350 hours connecting with nature at the 140-acre site
Martin Williams, head of nature connection at Belmont Estate, said the programme had shown “how spending time outdoors can help build confidence and resilience”.
He said: ‘What strikes me every year is how quickly you see transformation, a child arrives nervous, unsure what to do with a stretch of muddy field and within a session, they’re building something out of sticks, hunting for four-leaf clovers, or working up the courage to get in the river.
“That’s what happens when you give young people and adults the time, space, and a bit of wild to explore. This year has shown us just how much that matters, and we can’t wait to welcome more schools, groups and adults to Watercress Farm next year.’
Teachers praised the initiative for improving pupils’ confidence and wellbeing, with one school highlighting how a student with severe anxiety gained the confidence to help a classmate during a stream activity.
More than 16,000 children and adults have taken part in nature connection sessions at Belmont Estate’s watercress farm over the past year
Belmont Estate has now opened bookings for its BE Wild programme for the 2026/27 school year, inviting schools to take part in nature-based learning sessions at Watercress Farm on the outskirts of Bristol.
Belmont Estate is a member of the Bristol24/7 Better Business network, an initiative to help businesses thrive while creating a positive impact on Bristol and the people who live here. As part of their membership, businesses can publish member news stories like this. For more information, visit my.bristol247.com/better-business
All photos: Belmont Estate
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