NHSN hold the North East Nature Archive – a rich and unique collection of papers, photographs and artwork that document the natural environment of the north east of England over the last 200 years. The archive also contains many valuable insights into the personal connections that different people have had with the natural world around them.

Through the Nature's Cure in Times of Need project, NHSN will bring this archive up to date and reflect diverse north east communities and their relationship with nature. They are collaborating with people of all backgrounds and ages from across the region, collecting, co-curating and sharing stories from different voices about how nature has helped them in times of need.

NHSN will also explore the long-term legacy of reconnection with nature and wild places. The project will look back into the archives to discover how enjoying nature helped people in other periods in the North East’s history, such as periods of industrial action, economic recessions, war and conflict.

If you have a story to share about your connection with north east nature, get in touch through the NHSN website.