"I’ve always enjoyed spending time in nature, but living in the city for the past few years has meant that I’ve been around concrete more than the natural world. Therefore I was really interested when I received an invitation from Stuart to take part in one of his nature sensory workshops, and was curious about the way in which the different activities would help me to connect more with the natural world. While I’d experienced something similar to the sensory workshop in meditation exercises, the workshop also incorporated some unique activities. My favourites were learning to recognise bird sounds and then trying to create a visual representation of the sounds. I also loved the activity in which we were blindfolded and instructed to feel the textures of leaves, immediately after looking closely at these textures through a magnifying glass. The workshop made me realise how little time I spend in nature and how important it is to do so. I thought that some of the best advice that Stuart gave were to take silent nature walks and also to be conscious of the way in which nature affects the emotions, perhaps by thinking of one word to encapsulate how you feel every hour. I would be delighted to take part in another workshop or any other activity that Wildman Environmental Learning would offer, and have already recommended to friends and colleagues in the office."
"People like Stuart are vital in developing action to create wildlife areas. Nature needs our help and Stuart is doing important work to advise and help people to take practical action to help wildlife."
"The Wildmans wildlife gardening articles and his wildlife radio show really taps into the wider media to connect people with nature and make it part of their own lives. Without ever meeting him he can inspire us to take control of the stress in our lives and replace it with nature. The fact you can listen to the wildlife show online makes his impact truly global."
"The way Stuart makes his radio show interactive on social media, and by doing his audio blog makes him feel accessible. His honesty about talking about living with long-term illness is refreshing. His aim to do research about the psychological benefits of nature in partnership with Oxford University and to develop a stage show for theatres is a challenge I look forward to following the progress of."
"I first met Stuart Mabbutt when he and his team helped us rejuvenate our back garden in September 2012, and we have remained in regular contact ever since. Stuart is a man with great integrity, humour, and passion for his work. I would recommend him without reservation."
"The way Stuart doesn’t settle for things in his own life, and keeps challenging himself, comes across in his workshops. I left afterwards questioning myself and my habitual routines. I now realise how easy it is for us to get stuck in ruts."
"Stuart is passionate about wildlife and wildlife gardening. He communicates his vast knowledge through community outreach, encouraging people to care for wildlife in their back gardens. Don’t forget the insects, Stuart!."