Transforming wellbeing in communities through nature engagement
Reading Green Wellbeing Network
Welcome to the Reading Green Wellbeing Network. We represent organisations in the Greater Reading Area that promote wellbeing and community cohesion through engagement with nature. We are transforming wellbeing in our communities and nurturing a love of nature across all ages.
The case for green wellbeing
Engagement with nature-based activities undeniably improves mental and physical wellbeing. Regularly connecting with nature can decrease anxiety and depression by up to 30% while improving resilience. Indeed, therapeutic gardening programmes have demonstrated better rates of sustained recovery than many conventional approaches. Furthermore, nature-based activities build community cohesion and reduce the social and economic cost of loneliness.
What we do
Our small team of volunteers and our member organisations seek to promote nature engagement in the Greater Reading Area. We hold monthly meetings for members to build collaboration, celebrate successes and discuss challenges. We network with local government, mental health organisations and businesses, to champion green engagement as an essential, cost-effective component of public health strategy. Through our website, leaflets and bi-monthly newsletter, we are a definitive resource for finding nature-based wellbeing activities in the Greater Reading Area.
Our newsletter highlights key initiatives and research findings that demonstrate the benefits of nature engagement and publicises upcoming and ongoing activities of member organisations.
Our members and their sessions
Our members provide a range of nature-based activities, including therapeutic gardening sessions, social gardening sessions and other nature-engagement activities. They run regular organised sessions at sites across the Greater Reading Area.
Get involved
Whether you are an organisation that promotes green engagement, a healthcare professional interested in green social prescribing or a business that would like to support our work, there are many reasons to get involved with the green initiatives unfolding in Berkshire.
In addition we are always keen to hear from people who would like to join our team of volunteers and are currently specifically looking for an administrator and an assistant treasurer. For more details, see descriptions of these roles or get in touch to discuss further.
Green engagement worker position
We are currently also seeking a green engagement worker to represent RGWN and its members at 10-12 public in-person events in the Reading area over 2026. This is a freelance role, suited for someone keen to share their enthusiasm for nature and the wellbeing benefits of nature engagement with all kinds of communities. For further information about the role and to apply, see the job description and get in touch to discuss further. The deadline for receipt of applications is Wednesday 18th February 2026.
