Since July 2024, Wagner Therapies has offered nature-based occupational therapy sessions in Redbourne, Hertfordshire. These unique sessions take advantage of both in- and outdoor facilities, providing a rich, therapeutic environment for our children and adults.

St Luke’s Therapy Provision:

• Focus on cleaning, feeding, and nurturing animals.
• Structured and led by highly experienced occupational therapists.
• Supported by Animal Assisted Therapists at St Luke’s School.
• Available as individual or group sessions.
• Held after school during term times, during holidays, or as part of inclusive and bespoke holiday therapy clubs.

The beautiful outdoor fields have a variety of farm animals, including donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, chickens, and bird life.  The indoor animal room offers interaction, learning, care, and nurturing of a variety of reptiles and household pets. 

Our sessions are designed to be informal, social, and interactive, ensuring that each client’s individual needs are met. Join us for a unique therapeutic experience that combines the joys of nature and animal interaction.

Bespoke Home and Community-Based Sessions:

• Outdoor Activities: We incorporate outdoor walks, hikes, and gardening into therapy plans to improve physical fitness and provide a calming environment.
• Animal-Assisted Therapy: Working with animals like horses or dogs is part of our therapy programs to help build trust and emotional connections.
• Creative Outdoor Activities: Activities like obstacle courses, den-building, and gardening foster creativity, teamwork, and physical coordination.
• Accessible Outdoor Spaces: We work creatively to make outdoor spaces accessible for all our clients. This includes designing wheelchair-accessible paths, creating raised garden beds, and ensuring that all outdoor areas are safe and easy to navigate.
• Personalised Therapy Plans: Each therapy plan is tailored to the individual’s needs, incorporating nature-based activities that are meaningful and purposeful for the client.
• Team-Based Approach: We work closely with other professionals, families, and caregivers to ensure a holistic approach to therapy.

By integrating these nature-based strategies and ensuring that outdoor spaces are accessible, we aim to optimize function, independence, and quality of life for our clients.

Benefits of Nature-Based Occupational Therapy:

• Physical Health:Engaging in activities like hiking, gardening, or playing in natural settings can improve physical strength, coordination, and endurance.
• Mental and Emotional Well-being:Spending time in green and blue spaces (parks, gardens, lakes, rivers) can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also boost mood and overall mental health.
• Social Interaction:Outdoor activities can provide opportunities for social interaction, helping clients build connections and improve their social skills.
• Creativity and Calmness:Nature can inspire creativity and provide a calming environment, which is especially beneficial for those dealing with stress or mood disorders2.
• Animal-Assisted Therapy:Interacting with animals can be transformative, reducing stress, boosting self-esteem, and nurturing emotional well-being.

For more information or to book a session, please contact us