Our September ALAG–Autism Hub explored “Autism and Sensory Wellbeing – Nurturing Our Senses in Nature”, bringing together autistic adults to share experiences of how nature can stimulate, soothe and support our senses and wellbeing.

It was an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and remarkably uplifting evening, with participants sharing memories, favourite places and personal experiences of nature. A recurring theme was childhood: the smells, sounds, tastes and textures of nature remembered from growing up, from freshly mown grass and fallen autumn leaves to picking blackberries with family and collecting samphire with a grandmother.

We explored the natural world close to home, including parks, canals, gardens and nature reserves. Participants shared experiences of local wildlife, from robins and coots to geese, ducks, green parakeets and swifts. There was also discussion of rewilding and pollinator paths, demonstrating how nature and biodiversity can be found even in the middle of London.

We were joined by an ALAG–Autism Hub member who shared their enthusiasm for birdwatching, including the use of apps like Merlin to identify birds and record sightings. This prompted plenty of questions and recommendations from the group.

Our second guest was Michael Holland, an ecologist, author and educator and Fellow of the Linnean Society. Michael shared his knowledge and enthusiasm for the natural world, particularly through hands-on exploration and noticing the wildlife and plants around us.

We finished with a fun UK plants, trees and birds quiz, before reflecting on the evening.

The overall message was simple but powerful: nature does not have to mean going somewhere remote. It can be found, noticed and enjoyed in our gardens, streets, parks and local neighbourhoods — and experienced in ways that work for each of us.

Nick Stone, Peer support facilitator, 7 September 2026