IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING THROUGH CONSERVATION
For over 35 years we’ve supported thousands of people on a journey of self discovery, healing and improvement through our nature-based practices. Find out how we bring people back to themselves and protect our natural woodlands across our stunning sites.
Who we support
We support children, young people and adults by rooting their mental health and wellbeing to their natural surroundings. Learn about them and our work.
How we work
By connecting environmental conservation to people’s wellbeing, we’ve been able to create truly person-centred programmes of support for hundreds of people.
Our vision
We are here for every person to thrive through nature. Find out why this is so critical here.
Our impact
Our work has a huge impact on the lives of the individuals we support, our natural environment and our wider communities. Learn about our impact to get inspired to make your own change.
OUR IMPACT IN FIGURES
54%
of participants reported a significant improvement in wellbeing after just 12 weeks with us
73%
of the people we support say their well-being has improved significantly
92%
of individuals who engaged with us reduced their use of the mental health crisis line
92%
reduced their use of community mental health liaison services
OUR HISTORY
Our story begins over 35 years ago and thousands of miles away in the forests of Papua New Guinea.
1980s
Our founders Ric Edelman and Nigel Hughes explore the Hunstein Range Forest, in the Upper Sepik region of Papua New Guinea. The seeds of Green Light Trust are planted.
1989
Green Light Trust is established as an environmental charity based in the small village of Lawshall, just outside of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
1990s
Local residents planted ‘Forest for Our Children’, joined by the Chief from Papua New Guinea, symbolising the shared belief in forests as spaces for hope, healing, and future generations.
Over the years
We supported community groups to create and care for their own woodlands. We worked with schools, train forest school leaders, and opened the doors for thousands of children and young people to learn, play and grow in natural spaces.
Since 2013
As our understanding deepened, so did our mission. We saw how time in nature could do more than teach – it could restore. Our programmes now support people across Suffolk and Norfolk facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
Today
Green Light Trust champions both people and planet. Rooted in nature, and guided by curiosity, connection and care, we continue to believe that with the right support and the right setting, everyone has the potential to thrive.
Our camps
Green Light Trust protects beautiful woodland sites across Norfolk and Suffolk. These natural spaces are what make our mental health and wellbeing support truly special.
Select a location marker on the map
to find out more.
RSPB Strumpshaw Fen
Situated beside the River Yare, boasting a range of broadland habitats and wildlife to discover.
Learn moreBlickling Estate
A National Trust estate covering over 4,600 acres with 950 acres of woodland and parkland.
Learn moreOxburgh Estate
A National Trust Estate with 125 acres of formal wilderness, gardens and woodlands.
Learn more
West Stow Country Park
125 acres of unspoilt countryside, trails, heath and woodland surround West Stows Anglo Saxon village recreation.
Learn moreTrinity Park
Amongst the oak trees and the bluebells is a humble and peaceful place where you can experience the peace and beauty of nature only a stones throw from the bustle of the town centre.
Learn moreRSPB Minsmere
An internationally important nature reserve on the Suffolk coast, located between Aldeburgh and Southwold.
Learn more
HELPFUL INFORMATION
Learn more about our people, governance and policies.
OUR LATEST NEWS
CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS OUR WORK
GET INVOLVED
Campaign on our behalf, volunteer your time or become one of our partners. Get involved in our meaningful work.
WAYS TO GIVE
Donate to our work to help further our impact. Discover how you can raise funds to ensure we can keep helping people and our natural world.