Who are Hackney Outdoors CIC?
Hackney Outdoors CIC is a Community Interest Company dedicated to improving the mental and physical wellbeing of local people by restoring, caring and facilitating the use of green spaces in East London. We work in partnership with schools, community organisations and charities to transform underused or neglected outdoor areas into thriving natural spaces that support wellbeing, biodiversity and community connection, and then facilitate outdoor learning and nature connection sessions or workshops in those spaces to ensure they are fully used!
Our projects include:
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Creating wildlife-friendly gardens and green areas for community groups
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Planting trees, flowers and pollinator habitats
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Revitalising school and community gardens for outdoor learning and Urban Forest School - think mud kitchens, loose parts and gardening
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Supporting communities to maintain and care for their spaces long-term
These green spaces provide vital opportunities for relaxation, nature connection, outdoor learning and improved wellbeing. Hackney Outdoors is run by Forest School Leader and student Herbalist Nina Lovelace.
Own an outdoor space?
If you are an East London school, GP surgery, charity or other community group keen to transform or maintain an outdoor space for use, please get in touch. We already work with multiple schools in East and Central London to help them plan, develop and maintain fabulous new spaces for use for nature-based wellness, gardening, outdoor learning and Urban Forest School. We will not charge you for this service, as long as you are open to corporate volunteers helping with your site transformation, as they fund our CIC's planning and time. We can also advise on fundraising for plants, resources and more.
You may wish to run outdoor learning, Urban Forest School or other nature connection experiences in your new or developing space. We do charge for this - please get in touch as we already provide day, half-day or after-school club experiences direct to schools, and can provide adapted sessions for adults of all ages too. Our sessions intend to bring the wide-ranging benefits of Forest School to urban dwellers in their community spaces and help every individual find their own way into connecting with nature. Every session is different, depending on your community needs.
Work for a corporate?
Company partners are essential to our CIC achieving its purpose. Your company can support our work by booking Corporate Volunteering Days or our Nature-based Wellness Events. Both options help us to transform and maintain local green spaces. We are fully insured and can provide all tools, equipment and risk & benefit assessments.
🌱 Corporate Volunteering Days - Bring your team together for hands-on days in nature, making a real difference locally, and help turn re-naturing ideas into reality.
Activities may include the following; but we cater for all needs and abilities:
🌿 Planting trees, shrubs, and pollinator gardens
🪵 Building planters or wildlife habitats
🌻 Revitalising school gardens and adding nature-based play facilities
🌳 Maintaining community green spaces
🌸 Corporate Wellness Events - If your team can’t travel far from the office, our nature-based wellness workshops bring restorative experiences to your workplace or nearby green space. Proceeds fund plants, tools, materials, and free community events, including herbal workshops.
Spring 2026 experiences include:
🌿 Waking Up to Spring – Guided lunchtime garden walks exploring seasonal changes and plant folklore
🌼 Everyday Herbal Teas – On-site workshop making simple herbal infusions for wellbeing
🌻 Nature Crafting – Leaf hammering and natural prints to boost creativity and mindfulness
🌳 Plant for the Future – Hands-on herb propagation and seed care
🛀 Herbal Beauty – Make plant-based bath salts and oils
🥗 Plant Nutrition – Simple, family-friendly ways to increase plant intake
🌿 Urban Herb Tour – Visit London’s oldest herb shop, Baldwin’s, to explore traditional remedies