Impact and Experiences
Since 2023, Norfolk Rivers Trust, WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature), and Aviva have helped break down barriers for groups struggling to access Norfolk’s rivers and countryside with the Aviva Access to Nature Fund.
So far, 40 groups, schools, and charities have been supported, directly benefiting over 2,250 people across Norfolk.
Explore the case studies below to see the meaningful ways the fund was used and the positive impact it had.
Nelson’s Journey
Nelson’s Journey held two therapeutic activity days for bereaved children and young people at Hilltop Activity Centre. The days were designed to provide a supportive environment where attendees could participate in activities ranging from outdoor team building on the high ropes to memory jar-making, meeting the Pets as Therapy team, and a doctor’s question time with GP and Nelson’s Journey Trustee, Alison.
The weekend was also a safe space for everyone to participate in a candlelight ceremony for their lost loved ones, to remember and say goodbye.
By taking the opportunity to support the emotional well-being of children and young people through encouraging greater connections with natural spaces and physical activity, many families felt a connection to a person who has died through environments where they may have shared experiences and feedback to inform their future approach to nature-based experiences and to continue supporting bereaved children and young people in accessing nature.
“On Saturday, the young people pushed their limits, demonstrating remarkable physical and emotional courage. With support from Nelson’s Journey staff and volunteers, they shared their stories, honoured their loved ones’ memories and developed strategies to cope with challenging emotions. Their enthusiasm and compassion were inspiring, and the support they showed one another was truly exceptional.”
— Rebecca, Child Bereavement Services Manager at Nelson’s Journey.
Cup-o-t: Wellness and Therapy services - Wildvibes Youth Group
By eliminating the costs of four half-day workshops using the Aviva Access to Nature Fund, Cup-O-T created inclusive opportunities for young people to engage with nature and peers, build confidence, and develop new skills in a supportive environment.
The funding allowed them to organise and run comprehensive workshops in their woodland. Each session, attendees (aged 11 - 16) focused on different nature-based arts, bushcraft and tool use under the guidance of experts. They delivered two pewter casting workshops, an advanced pottery workshop and a bat house making workshop.
An incredible 96% of their available workshop spaces were booked by young people - highlighting the value and pressing need for these nature-based experiences.
“WildVibes has had such a huge positive impact on my life; it’s an amazing place where I have met some people I really get along with and have lots of things in common with… As well as this, I have learned so many useful things that I never would have been taught in school, and so much that I really enjoy doing and have started to pursue outside of WidlVibes. It’s amazing to suddenly be able to do something you perhaps didn’t even know existed! The general vibe is really friendly and chill, and it’s just a really safe place for me to go and do something completely unique for a few hours. It has made such a big difference in my life, and it is such a special place for me.”
— Young person’s feedback.
1st Sprowston Guides
The Aviva Access to Nature Fund enabled the 1st Sprowston Guide group to heavily reduce the price of their outdoor camp.
This supported attendees in taking part in nature-based activities, including making and painting birdhouses, bat detecting, identifying constellations, and sleeping in huts outside.
Each activity was chosen to spark an interest in nature and to show that everyone has a part to play.
“This was the best camp ever, I loved it.”
— Attendee.
Heron Meadow
To highlight seasonal events in the meadow and give young people (aged 6 - 14) the opportunity to learn about the changes that occur, Heron Meadow held three sessions with local geology, flora, and fauna expert Tim Holt-Wilson between April and September 2025.
In April, they observed the life of the River Waveney and found many species of invertebrates and molluscs, as well as some small fish. June focused on life in and under the meadow’s grasses, and they used a soil auger (a screw that extracts soil samples) to investigate the layers of soil and sand beneath the surface, down to two metres. The last session took place in September and gave attendees a chance to explore the formation of the Waveney Valley, using fossil and rock specimens to help illustrate its 110-million-year history.
Alongside these guided investigative sessions with Tim, they ran a monthly children’s circle for creative and social activities.
The Green Hearts - Mile Cross
The Green Hearts used the Access to Nature Fund to take a trip to Wild Ken Hill to learn about rewilding and regenerative farming, and to explore how the lessons learned from a large-scale project can be applied to small green spaces in urban areas.
As they roamed the extensive estate, exploring the various habitats with their knowledgeable guide, they were engrossed by the detailed stories and practices shared and energised by all the possibilities.
The group also had the chance to tour part of the 55-acre beaver enclosure, ending their day immersed in nature.
“Good to see theory in practice. Great to catch glimpses of pigs, ponies and deer running free and to see evidence of beavers at work in their enclosure. Very reassuring that farming can work to benefit nature, to the benefit of both, and to hear it from someone with a farming background.”
— Attendee Fran.
Wild Lakenham
The community-built charity identified that members and local people with mobility issues had to face long walks without rest to enjoy their local green spaces.
Through the Aviva Access to Nature Fund, Wild Lakenham purchased and installed three benches in their orchard and water meadow from a local woodworker. The small, thoughtful additions have made the spaces more welcoming for all.
Going forward, they plan to prioritise simple, user-friendly features in their nature-based projects - including a wheelchair-accessible circular path - to ensure more people can enjoy and benefit from spending time in the natural environment.
Image credit: Teo Utting.
East Norfolk Scouts
106 Scouts (aged 10-14yrs) from eight groups across East Norfolk took part in seven, 75-minute sessions of minibeasting and pond dipping as part of an annual District weekend camp at Decoy Broad Scout Campsite on the Norfolk Broads.
A Norfolk Wildlife Trust education staff member led the sessions on the first day accompanied by a Scout Leader who subsequently led the sessions on the second day.
All of the equipment used was paid for by the Aviva Access to Nature Fund and is now available for use by all age ranges (4-18) across the East Norfolk District.
“This was a fantastic addition to the suite of activities offered at our District camp. It was great to see the Scouts engaged and focussed on exploring the campsite grounds and I hope to be able to offer this again in successive years.”
— Sue, Assistant District Commissioner (Scouts).
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The event involved a leisurely cruise along the River Bure on four day boats. Participants enjoyed stunning views of the local area while soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the company of fellow guests. Following a trip to Horning on the day boats; they arrived in Wroxham for a two-course lunch at a local pub. Participants then had the chance to wander around Wroxham before the coach ride home.
“Firstly, it was just wonderful to be given the opportunity to do something that would be financially difficult for me, so thank you to the funders and Age UK for this. The planning and communication about the day beforehand was very professional and friendly. I felt welcomed from the first confirmation phone call, and this continued through the whole process. Instructions were always clear, and I felt supported throughout the day. The day itself was just wonderful, and we had an idyllic day for it. Being on the small day boats, gave us an opportunity to be up close to nature. We spotted kingfishers, herons, lots of dragonflies, and even a brief glimpse of an otter!”
— Participant.
Extraordinary Communities
We took a group of children, who we’ve been supporting through our Natural Wonder holiday sessions, to Cley Marshes Visitor Centre. They explored the marshes and also attended the European eel show at the Simon Aspinhall Wildlife Education Centre as part of World Eel Day. During the visit, we also listened to a talk on the European eel and learned about the biodiversity on the marshes.
“Younger children are not getting engaged with nature as much, which I know from participating in research with University of Derby, but the benefits to wellbeing are huge.”
— Carl Brooker, former National Trust ranger.
Friends of Hockering Primary School
Pupils aged 4-10 enjoyed a school trip to Pensthorpe, fully funded by the Aviva Access to Nature Fund.
They learnt about habitats, life cycles, rocks and fossils, birds and even Pensthorpe’s very own dinosaurs! Their learning was enhanced by practical, hands-on activities, such as pond dipping, bird feeding, and exploring nature through indoor and outdoor play. They also experienced their own private tour of the park and its surroundings on the Pensthorpe Explorer.
“I loved being able to play with my friends all day whilst learning. I most enjoyed zooming down the slides, and it was so funny when the teachers came down. Oh, and also I caught a dragonfly when we done pond dipping for the first time.”
— Finlay, aged 8.
The henderson trust
The Henderson Trust used the Access to Nature Fund to take two trips to Wroxham, for a two hour boat trip on the Queen of the Broads, a trip to Felbrigg Hall, and a steam train trip to Sheringham.
“I want to thank you for organising such a wonderful outing to the Broads. I enjoyed it immensely, especially the time you spent with me on the boat. Thank you, Ta and many more accolades for your company, I’m a bit overwhelmed.”
— Attendee.