Nature Makers case study
Nature Makers provide mindful art, craft, and play experiences designed to nurture natural wellbeing. They champion the belief that creativity and connection with nature are powerful, lifelong tools for personal and collective wellness. Through thoughtfully curated classes, workshops, and community gatherings, Nature Makers fosters creative expression, sustainable and compassionate stewardship, inclusive and accessible experiences, and a lifelong journey of learning and growth — all rooted in the power of nature.
As she prepares for a vibrant season of autumnal events, we caught up with Elenor Chetwynd-Knagg, the Nature Makers provider for Cumbria South, to explore how digital connectivity is complementing the natural world, helping her business, and everyone it touches, to truly flourish.
Nature Makers brings together my passion for the outdoors and my love of all things creative —whether it’s building dens, crafting bows and arrows, or capturing the beauty of natural objects and stunning landscapes through photography. My role allows me to connect with inspiring individuals of all ages across venues in South Cumbria, and witness firsthand how the great outdoors sparks their imagination and joy.
At Nature Makers, our ethos is rooted in a ‘back to nature’ approach, reconnecting people with the outdoors through creativity and mindful experiences. However, to run our business effectively and reach our communities, reliable online connectivity is essential.
Social media and our Nature Makers website are vital to the success of everything we do. They provide a dynamic platform to showcase our offerings, engage with our followers, and open up meaningful communication. They also make it easy for people to book onto our events via the ‘Book That In’ online booking system.
The ’Book That In’ system is specifically designed to help businesses manage bookings and payments efficiently, allowing users to register for events and pay online. It works brilliantly for us helping us manage attendance, process payments, and confirm event details all in one streamlined place.”
Our website plays a key role in how we connect with our community. Visitors can subscribe to our email list to receive updates and communications from Nature Makers, keeping them informed and engaged. We also publish regular blog posts covering a wide range of topics tailored to our audience’s interests. These blogs have proven to be very popular, and we consistently receive positive feedback from readers who enjoy and value the content.
We regularly host ‘Calm and Connect’ sessions in local care homes and ‘Play and Create’ sessions in preschools, alongside a variety of themed pop-up events for all ages.
At Nature Makers, we are passionate about sparking imagination and joy at every age and stage of life. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this journey, welcoming individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to our sessions. I truly believe these experiences play a meaningful role in helping people reconnect with the natural world and with themselves.
In addition to our regular sessions, we cater for birthday parties, seasonal celebrations, community events, and festivals. We also provide creative wellbeing workshops for schools and educational settings, offering enriching experiences that blend nature, creativity, and mindfulness.
Behind the scenes, online connectivity plays a crucial role in supporting a wide range of back-office functions, helping ensure our operations run smoothly and efficiently. I carry out much of my administrative work from home or while on the move. Remote and home working have become part of everyday life for many people across Cumbria, and I believe the improvements in online connectivity throughout our region have made this possible.
I’m able to connect my laptop to guest Wi-Fi at many of the venues where I host events, and I rely on mobile 4G to stay connected while travelling. I wholeheartedly welcome further advancements in digital infrastructure across our Cumbria —it’s a positive step forward for everyone who lives, works, andvisits here.
Nature Makers operates across the UK, and online connectivity makes it easy for me to stay in touch with colleagues in other regions. We regularly hold virtual meetings, exchange emails, and chat over the phone building a strong sense of teamwork that bridges the physical distance between us. It’s amazing how technology helps us stay connected and collaborate so effectively.
I believe online connectivity is essential for people of all ages supporting social interaction, learning, and access to information. It enables communication, opens up educational opportunities, and can positively impact mental health and wellbeing. By helping individuals connect with others and discover activities like those we offer, it fosters a greater sense of engagement and belonging.
Rural Cumbria is full of potential, and thanks to the expansion of futureproof gigabit and improved mobile connectivity across the county, local businesses are now better equipped than ever to showcase their strengths and reach wider audiences. Investment into digital infrastructure is helping unlock new opportunities, allowing us to thrive, collaborate, and grow no matter where we are based.
Elenor hopes her words inspire other businesses and residents to explore the connectivity options available to them: “Strong online connectivity might not be the first thing people associate with Cumbria but it is here, it is reliable,
and it is making a real impact. For businesses like Nature Makers, it opens up new possibilities and empowers us to showcase what we have to offer, while working in far more efficient and effective ways”.
Elenor said “however you join Nature Makers Cumbria South, as a family, a school, or an adult group, you will find a space to create, connect and thrive. We look forward to welcoming you”.
To find out more about Nature Makers Cumbria South, visit their website or Facebook page.
To find out more about the online connectivity options available in your area, visit www.connectingcumbria.org.uk or contact the team at info@connectingcumbria.org.uk