Nature, the key to a good life

Since 2005, the Bikuben Foundation has worked with nature development and nature experience in the Svanninge Bjerge area, located in southern Funen. Over the years, we have become increasingly focused on the potential of nature in connection with socially vulnerable people. This resulted in Nature, the key to a good life, an initiative specifically targeted at vulnerable young people from across Denmark. These young people may have grown up in families with alcohol abuse, been placed in out-of-home care, or they may be in need of an alternative to ordinary schools and other educational institutions.

Staying at the Svanninge Bjerge resort

Together with the surrounding nature of Svanninge Bjerge, the former game-keeper's cottage Knagelbjerghus constitutes the framework for the courses we provide in collaboration with our partners. The house, equipped with modern conveniences, accommodates up to 30 people. There is also a campfire shelter, which has been built in close proximity to the house. Svanninge Bjerge offers considerable natural diversity with linked experience potential. Other than the physical framework, we also provide nature interpreters, both in connection with the actual stay and for the practice-development programmes we organise in collaboration with our partners.

What is it that nature does?

Nature facilitates unique opportunities for social interaction and physical activity, as well as the stimulation of curiosity and creativity. Further studies have proved nature to be a potential healing mediator, facilitating space for physical stress-reduction and mental tranquillity. The objective of Nature, the key to a good life is to gain more insight into how activities and being in natural surroundings during long-term programmes may enhance young people's capacities for coping with social and mental challenges.