Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, is launching an inclusive five-week programme designed to bring the restorative power of nature to those who may otherwise face barriers to accessing it. Moving Sounds combines gentle walks, creative music-making, mindfulness, and hands-on activities in the gardens, offering participants a chance to boost wellbeing and build confidence in a welcoming space. The initiative includes tailored afternoon sessions for adults with learning disabilities or autism, alongside morning sessions open to all.
In this interview with Harri Oliver, Participation Manager at Wakehurst, they share the inspiration behind the programme, how inclusivity is embedded at every stage, and the lasting impact they hope participants will carry with them.
Can you share what your role typically involves at Wakehurst?
I lead our Participation programmes, which means working with individuals and communities who traditionally experience barriers to engaging with us, to create opportunities for people to connect with nature here at Wakehurst. That can be through schools, community groups, families, or bespoke projects like Moving Sounds.
My role is really about making sure everyone feels welcome, supported to take part and have equality of opportunity to engage with the incredible conservation work that is taking place at Wakehurst.
The upcoming Moving Sounds programme sounds really exciting. Could you tell us what inspired this workshop and what participants can expect over the five weeks?
The idea came from wanting to bring together the calming, restorative qualities of nature with creative expression. Music, movement, and mindfulness all offer different ways to improve wellbeing, so Moving Sounds blends them in a relaxed and accessible way.
Each week, participants will explore the gardens, make music together, and take time for gentle reflection — all designed to build confidence and joy in being outdoors. The sessions were initially designed by and for people with learning disabilities, but the format is accessible in its nature, and so we have found that this is adaptable to all types of people.
Moving Sounds is designed for people who may face barriers to visiting. Why was this focus so important, and how have you shaped the sessions to make them inclusive?
We know that not everyone finds it easy to visit places like Wakehurst, whether that’s because of cost, accessibility needs, or simply confidence in trying something new.
Moving Sounds is about removing as many of those barriers as possible. The sessions are free, group sizes are small, and we’ve worked with experienced practitioners who understand inclusive facilitation. Everything is person-centred and flexible, so people can take part in a way that feels comfortable for them.
Can you describe the differences between the morning and afternoon sessions, and why it was important to design one specifically for adults with learning disabilities or autism?
The morning sessions are open to anyone who wants to take part, while the afternoon sessions are tailored for adults with learning disabilities or autism. This gives us the chance to adapt the pace, structure, and sensory experience of the activities.
By doing this, we can create a safe and supportive space where participants feel fully able to engage, express themselves, and enjoy the programme at their own rhythm. The programme is very much a collaborative experience, so the group helps to shape the experience whilst it is happening. This means there is a session plan, and this can be adapted based on how the group feel that day or what people’s needs are, to make sure everyone is having a great time.
What impact do you hope participants will take away from Moving Sounds in terms of wellbeing, connection to nature, or creativity?
I hope people leave feeling uplifted and more connected — both to nature and to themselves. We want participants to experience the gardens as a place of wellbeing, discover creative ways of expressing joy through music, and build confidence in exploring natural spaces.
Ideally, the programme will spark a longer-term connection with Wakehurst as somewhere people feel at home. We have found that previous cohorts now visit independently or attend other activities that the Participation team facilitate. The great thing with our programmes is that they are all free, and so people can keep coming back if they choose.
Transport can often be a big barrier—how are you addressing this for Moving Sounds, and what difference do you think it makes for participants?
We’ve made transport support a core part of the project. For groups of 12, we can arrange pick-up and drop-off from Haywards Heath station, and we’re also open to supporting individuals where we can.
For many people, knowing that transport is sorted removes one of the biggest worries about attending, which in turn makes the programme more accessible and welcoming. We have also ensured that start and end times join up with public transport timings.
Beyond Moving Sounds, are there other upcoming events or workshops you’re particularly excited about that readers should keep an eye out for?
Yes, we’ve run a series of community-focused programmes. Our Discovery and Access programme supports people to visit through guided walks and nature connect sessions. For example, Dementia walks and social prescribing walks, as well as our Spring into Community, a free community three-day festival.
We also run the Community Access Scheme, which is a charity and community group membership that gives you access to exclusive workshops such as our Glow Wild Lantern workshops, Fungi foraging and much more! Each is designed with the same focus on accessibility, creativity, and the joy of connecting with nature.
What would you say to someone who’s never attended a community event at Wakehurst before but is curious about giving it a try?
I’d say come with an open mind and give yourself permission to simply enjoy the experience. Our community programmes are relaxed, welcoming, and designed with access in mind.
You don’t need to have any prior knowledge or skills — just an interest in nature, creativity, or trying something new. You might be surprised at how quickly you feel at home here!
Key information on attending Moving Sounds
Here’s everything you need to know if you’d like to join the upcoming Moving Sounds sessions at Wakehurst:
- Starts 3rd September 2025 – every Wednesday for five weeks
- Morning 11am to 1pm (open to anyone who may experience barriers to visiting us)
- Afternoon 1.30pm to 3.30pm (for adults with learning disabilities or ASD)
- Free transport from Haywards Heath Station
- Email wakehurstcommunity@kew.org to book, with subject line ‘Moving Sounds’. Priority for Community Access Scheme members.
Find out more by visiting kew.org/wakehurst and following Wakehurst on Facebook and Instagram.