Women in Perthshire who have experienced trauma have had the chance to prioritise their own wellbeing, learn new skills and connect with their community as part of a groundbreaking Art in Nature project facilitated by Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust, Charlotte Dixon Consulting and the Perth and Kinross Violence Against Women Partnership.

The team behind "Art in Nature" 

Held over eight weeks in natural settings around Perth, and led by psychologist Charlotte Dixon, “Art in Nature” offered participants a supportive space to explore creativity, reconnect with the outdoors, and learn creative and psychological tools to build confidence and resilience. Sessions blended nature-based art activities with moments of reflection, grounding, and shared connection with participants creating a range of nature-inspired artwork while experiencing the restorative benefits of time outdoors.

Charlotte Dixon: said:

“Spending time in nature, being creative without expectations, and feeling safe in the company of others, are all powerful ways to support mental wellbeing. The sessions offered a chance for women who have been through a lot to discover their confidence, challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and build new friendships. It’s been a privilege to see how much the group has taken from the experience, and we’re excited about the potential for developing the project further.”

Some of the nature inspired artwork produced by Art in Nature attendees

Catherine Leatherland from Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust said:

“We are delighted to be able to start, and facilitate, this project to support women in a safe and discrete environment.  As a trust we’re committed to encouraging people to explore and appreciate the great outdoors as time spent appreciating nature can provide tangible health and wellbeing benefits for all of us. Taking inspiration from experiences we have had in nature is a great way to slow down and really appreciate the beauty of our environment and I’m glad the women who attended felt the benefit.”

Jennifer Middlemiss from the Violence Against Women Partnership said:

“The women that we support can really benefit from projects like “Art in Nature.” It has been a supportive, productive environment with a trained practitioner that has allowed the attendees to open up, socialise, and connect with others. I’ve also been impressed with the quality of the artwork. It’s a real credit to all the participants and I hope they pick up their brushes in future."

Inspiring artwork created by a member of the Art in Nature Women's Wellbeing Group