A nature box is a multi-sensory reminiscence tool that can help people living with dementia connect with the natural world, spark memories, encourage conversation and support wellbeing.

A nature box is simply a container filled with items from nature, such as stones, pinecones, leaves, twigs, shells or flowers. There is a wide variety of natural objects that can be collected and used, depending on the interests and preferences of the person.

The purpose of a nature box is to bring some of the outside world indoors, giving a person living with dementia an opportunity to engage with nature even when going outdoors is difficult or not possible.

Research into nature and wellbeing suggests that connecting with the natural world can have a number of benefits. For people living with dementia, nature-based activities may help to spark positive memories, encourage relaxation and conversation, and reduce feelings of stress or agitation.

Dementia Adventure are strong advocates for helping people living with dementia experience the outdoors. However, they also recognise that getting outside is not always possible and suggest nature boxes as one way of bringing that connection with nature indoors.

The relationship between nature and wellbeing is not a new area of interest. A well-known study published in 1984 looked at hospital patients recovering from surgery. Patients whose rooms overlooked a natural setting had shorter postoperative hospital stays, received fewer negative comments in nurses’ notes and required less potent pain relief than patients whose windows faced a brick wall.

Research into our relationship with nature has continued since then. It suggests that it is not only physically being outdoors that can matter, but also how we interact with the natural environment.

Even relatively small opportunities to connect with nature may support relaxation, social interaction and a sense of connection with the world around us.

Nature and wellbeing

For a person living with dementia, meaningful contact with nature may support different areas of wellbeing.

Potential emotional benefits can include:

• reduced feelings of stress and anxiety;
• reduced agitation;
• improved mood;
• opportunities for relaxation;
• increased interest and engagement.

Potential physical benefits can include:

• opportunities for movement and physical activity;
• support for healthier sleeping patterns;
• increased interest in food and mealtimes for some people;
• continued use of fine and gross motor skills through handling, arranging and exploring objects.

Nature can also create opportunities for social connection by encouraging:

• conversation;
• shared experiences;
• attention and curiosity;
• self-esteem;
• a sense of belonging;
• reminiscence and storytelling.

Exactly how nature affects our physical and emotional wellbeing is complex, but spending time in natural environments has been associated with reduced stress and improvements in mood.

The lasting power of feelings

There is also something important to consider about the feelings connected with an experience.

A person living with dementia may not always remember the details of an activity afterwards. They might not remember making the nature box, going for a walk or sitting together exploring its contents.

That does not mean the experience was lost or had no value.

The positive feelings created by an enjoyable, reassuring or meaningful experience can remain important even when the person cannot later recall exactly what happened.

This is one reason why creating opportunities for enjoyment, connection and a sense of purpose in the moment can be so valuable.

Bringing the outdoors in

Of course, it is not always possible to venture outside and take part in meaningful outdoor activity, and this is where a nature box can be particularly useful.

Someone may find it difficult to leave the house because of fatigue, mobility changes, changes in perception, the weather or many other reasons. A nature box can bring elements of the natural world into a familiar environment.

However, nature boxes are not only for people who cannot go outside.

They can also provide inspiration for getting outdoors. Collecting items for the box can become part of a walk, a visit to the garden or a day out. The box can then become a reminder of those experiences and something that can be added to over time.

How to make a nature box

Step 1 – Choose your container

Choose a small or medium-sized container. It could be a biscuit tin, shoebox, wicker basket, wooden keepsake box or another container that feels appropriate.

The container itself could be meaningful or tactile.

If the person enjoys arts and crafts, decorating the box together can become part of the activity. It might be painted, covered with photographs, decorated with natural colours or personalised around a particular interest.

The important thing is that the activity is meaningful to the person rather than simply something being done for them.

Step 2 – Collect objects from nature

What goes into the nature box is entirely up to you and the person you are supporting.

If getting outdoors is possible, collecting the items can become an activity in itself. You might take a walk, explore the garden or look for interesting objects during a day out.

This gives the person living with dementia an opportunity to make choices and be actively involved in creating their own box.

That involvement matters. Being able to choose, handle, collect and arrange items can support a sense of ownership, identity and purpose.

If going outdoors is not possible, care partners, friends or family members can collect interesting objects while out walking, shopping or spending time in the garden and bring them back to explore together.

Creating a nature box does not need to be complicated or time-consuming.

Its contents should reflect the interests, experiences and preferences of the person living with dementia. Familiar natural objects may reconnect someone with childhood experiences, favourite places, hobbies or activities that have been important throughout their life.

The contents can change too.

Some things may be swapped according to the season. One particular object may become a favourite. New discoveries can be added after walks or days out.

A nature box should develop with the person rather than remaining a fixed collection of objects.

Creating a themed nature box

Some people choose to create their nature box around a particular interest or place.

For example, if someone has always loved rivers or fishing, their box might include smooth river stones, pieces of driftwood, reeds or other objects associated with the riverbank.

Other themes might include:

The seaside Seashells, dried seaweed, a small sealed container of sand, smooth sea glass and perhaps the sound of gentle waves.

The woodland Pinecones, acorns, conkers, leaves, stones, feathers and pieces of bark.

The garden Seeds and seed pods, fragrant dried herbs such as lavender or thyme, leaves and flowers.

The seasons Daffodils or willow twigs in spring, shells or sunflowers in summer, crisp leaves and seed heads in autumn, and pinecones or evergreen branches in winter.

There is no correct way to make a nature box. Personal meaning is more important than creating the “perfect” collection.

Think about the person’s sensory preferences

It is also worth thinking about how the person experiences different types of sensory information.

Some people enjoy strong textures, bright colours and objects they can squeeze or manipulate. Pinecones, bark, seed pods, sticks and stones might appeal to someone who enjoys plenty of tactile input.

Other people can find strong sensations overwhelming or uncomfortable. They may prefer smooth stones, soft feathers, delicate petals or other predictable and gentle textures.

Choice is important.

If someone is unsure about touching an object directly, you might offer a scoop, cup or spoon so they can explore it in another way. They can decide whether or not they want to touch it.

Watch the person’s response. Their facial expressions, movements, words and actions can all help you understand whether something is enjoyable, interesting, uncomfortable or simply not for them.

What could you include?

Pinecones

Pinecones make wonderfully tactile natural objects. Their shape, weight and texture can encourage exploration, and different pinecones can be compared, handled and arranged.

Seeds and seed pods

Seeds and seed pods come in an enormous variety of shapes, textures and sounds.

A smooth sunflower seed feels very different from a papery sycamore “helicopter”, an acorn or a dry poppy seed head that rattles when moved.

They can provide interesting opportunities to explore touch, sound and sight.

Leaves

Leaves can offer colour, movement, texture and sound.

Fresh green leaves feel very different from dry autumn leaves, and different plants provide an enormous variety of shapes, sizes and colours.

Shells

Shells can be particularly interesting because of their different shapes, weights, patterns and textures.

They may also prompt memories of seaside holidays, collecting shells on the beach, fishing trips or other experiences connected with the coast.

Flowers

Flowers can stimulate sight, touch, smell and emotional memories.

Different flowers provide contrasting colours, shapes and textures, while familiar scents such as lavender or rose may evoke memories of gardens, people or places.

Stones and rocks

Stones provide opportunities for tactile and visual exploration.

They can be compared by weight, shape, texture, colour or size. Someone may enjoy sorting them, making patterns, arranging them or simply holding a particularly smooth or interesting stone.

Sticks and twigs

Sticks and twigs can vary enormously in length, thickness, texture and colour.

They can be handled, compared and tapped together to produce different sounds. Pieces of bark can also provide interesting textures.

Soft natural textures

Moss, soft leaves, petals and feathers can provide gentler sensory experiences.

Feathers in particular can be fascinating to watch as they move through the air. If appropriate for the person, blowing a feather across a table can also become a simple shared activity.

Health and safety

As with any activity, think about the individual person, their abilities and any risks that are relevant to them.

Small stones, seeds or small twigs may not be appropriate for someone who is likely to put non-food items into their mouth.

Check natural materials for sharp edges, thorns or anything that could cause injury. Avoid poisonous plants or unidentified berries, fungi and other materials that may not be safe to handle.

Items should be clean and hygienic, and anything that becomes damp, mouldy or damaged should be removed.

Consider allergies and sensitivities, particularly when using strongly scented plants and flowers.

The container itself should be sturdy, easy to handle and free from sharp edges or damage.

The amount of support someone needs will vary. Some people may explore their nature box independently, while others may benefit from a care partner joining them. Support should reflect the individual rather than assuming that every person living with dementia requires the same level of supervision.

It may also help to introduce only a few objects at a time. A large number of items can sometimes be distracting or overwhelming, whereas a smaller selection gives each object more opportunity to be explored.

More than a box of objects

Ultimately, a nature box is much more than a collection of pinecones, leaves and stones.

It can provide an opportunity to reconnect with familiar places, hobbies and experiences. It can encourage conversation, curiosity, reminiscence and shared time together.

A care partner might gently wonder aloud:

“How does that feel?”

“Does that smell remind you of anywhere?”

“Have you seen one like this before?”

Or you may not need questions at all.

Sometimes simply sitting together, touching, looking, smelling and enjoying the objects is enough.

The purpose is not to test someone’s memory or see whether they can correctly identify an object. It is about creating an opportunity for connection and enjoyment.

A person may not remember exploring the nature box later that day.

But they can still enjoy the experience while it is happening.

And that matters.

Sources and further support

Dementia Adventure Nature Boxes: Bringing the Outside In – further advice on using nature boxes to help maintain a connection with the natural world.

Alzheimer’s Society Information and ideas about spending time in nature and supporting wellbeing for people living with dementia.

Ulrich, R.S. (1984) View Through a Window May Influence Recovery from Surgery – research examining the relationship between views of natural environments and recovery following surgery.