Nature-Based Outdoor Activities for Children & Adults with Autism, SEND & Disabilities

Grow Wild Outreach is a people, place, nature community—offering meaningful, nature-based opportunities for children and adults with additional needs, including autism, SEND, and mental health challenges. Our inclusive programs promote health, wellbeing, learning, and personal growth by helping each individual build confidence, independence, and real connections with nature and others.

Our Services

Two young boys are sitting against a tree trunk in a park surrounded by fallen leaves. One boy is wearing a green and blue striped sweater, and the other is in a grey hoodie. They appear to be relaxing or resting.

Nature-based alternative education provision for children with SEND and SEMH needs.
Four people outdoors at a community garden, one is a young man and three are elderly women, with two holding a wooden box together.

Outreach programs to support young people who are moving from education into adulthood.

An alternative to traditional day services, our programs emphasise wellbeing, health and employability.

Ready to experience the benefits of nature for yourself or your loved one?

Enquire now

Testimonials

  • “My son looks forward to going out to different places that he wouldn’t normally be interested in. He loves going out with Grow Wild as it's an adventure he enjoys and he learns at the same time. He is much happier in himself and looks forward to his adventures out.” -

    Parent of a 10 year-old with diverse needs

  • "You are doing a great job! He can't wait to show what he's been doing in the garden and is happy in himself."

    - Parent of 12 year-old with undiagnosed diverse needs

  • "It has been a pleasure to see confidence grow in the young adults, Ollie and his team have achieved a combination of challenging them to do new things and making them feel safe at the same time."

    - Geddington Brickyard Garden

  • It’s fantastic that this service exists for individuals experiencing difficulties or challenging lives, and it’s a pleasure working with them and to have them on site, they really are an asset to the garden and to the Park Ranger Service, giving people skills, experience and empowering them in an outdoor environment really is a joy to see.

    - Vikkie Maloney, Park Ranger

  • Thanks to you and the team for the varied opportunities you give W and his cohort and for the recognition via such certificates: a real boost to his self-esteem and encouragement to get skills.

  • C has been counting down the days all summer and kept saying he couldn’t wait to go back to school and Grow Wild. It’s so lovely to see how excited he is to be back, and that’s all down to the amazing environment you’ve created. Thanks again for everything!

    - Mum of 6-year-old boy

  • Thank you so much! Both our children loved each time that they attended - it's helped them grow in confidence for sure!

    - Parents from Grow Wild’s HAFF summer programme

  • Thank you so much for the girls experience with you - they had a blast! Making new friends, building confidence and having a purpose every morning to get up early to have fun.

    - Parents of Grow Wild summer holiday HAFF programme

  • The groups brought in by Grow Wild have been a real asset to Wicksteed Park. Their energy, enthusiasm, and flexibility have made a big difference to the park. Our staff have also learned a lot from their knowledgeable and supportive team, and the park continues to benefit greatly from their involvement.”

    - Ruth Rignall, Community and Volunteer Support Officer

  • Leon had a fantastic time with you this week — he hasn’t stopped talking about the park and the zoo! It’s wonderful to see him so engaged and happy after your sessions. We really appreciate the care and enthusiasm you bring.

    Mum of 5 year 5-year-old boy

  • Our daughter’s self esteem and confidence has increased since taking part and her anxieties have decreased. There were times last year when her anxieties impacted on her going to school, sometimes she’d have panic attacks before school so she’d either have the day off or go in late. Grow Wild takes her mind away from her worries and she goes to school in such a positive way.

    - Parent of a teenage girl

  • Grow Wild has given my daughter a real positivity that has filtered through into her general learning at school and her believing in herself and what she can achieve. She wants to work with animals and wildlife so not only is it engaging her in something she enjoys and is interested in, it’s really encouraged her to try hard and do well in all her subjects. Whilst at her sessions learning about animals and creating artwork is also helping her to work towards her GCSEs in a practical way.

    - Parent of a teenage girl

  • Grow Wild provides some much-needed respite within the school week for our daughter. She looks forward to her weekly sessions and has been building a great rapport with Sarah, sharing an avid interest in nature and animals. It is wonderful to see the positive impact this programme is having on Isabella's well-being and how it is helping balance some of the struggles that can occur in maintaining school life.

    Mum of Year 8 student with autism and ADHD.