Create a nature mandala

Arranging a nature mandala is a relaxing and mindful way to spend an hour. Why not make one on your daily walk, or as part of exploring the garden?

This guide is part of our Sense Arts, Sport & Wellbeing programme. This activity can be done at a time that suits you, either in your own space or in an educational setting.

Who is this for?

This is a wellbeing activity for people who are deafblind or have complex disabilities and can be enjoyed by anyone.

Why does this make a difference?

This is a sensory activity that promotes wellbeing and relaxation, helping people use their senses to connect with their surroundings by exploring touch and smell.

How to do this activity

What you’ll need

A beautiful array of natural materials on a white background, like leaves, sticks, petals, feathers and pine cones

A basket or box to collect your materials
Leaves, twigs, flowers, petals
A flat space outdoors

Step 1

Taking your box or basket, go for a walk in your green space and garden and collect an assortment of leaves, flowers, sticks, stones, or any other natural items you are lucky to discover – perhaps a feather or two! A variety of textures and sizes are good. Think about velvety or satiny leaves, cold smooth stones, warm rough sticks, etc.

Starting the mandala with the centre of a yellow flower on a table, a hand is arranging pink petals around it

Step 2

Find a space at home, on the table, or on the ground in the garden. Choose an item from your collection for the centrepiece of your mandala. Perhaps a particularly pretty or textural flower or your favourite stone.

The mandala is getting bigger as a hand adjusts a long piece of fir branch

Step 3

Now working outwards, lay things out in circles around your centrepiece in layers. Experiment with different combinations until you are happy. Stand back and enjoy your work!