Nidrana Community Space Pilot – Netherlands
A 12-week, nature-based pilot study testing a new model for adult well-being, social connection, and community-based reintegration.
Across Europe, mental well-being is increasingly under pressure, while existing support systems remain limited in their ability to provide accessible, long-term, non-clinical environments. The Nidrana Community Space Pilot responds to this gap.
This pilot is designed to test whether recurring, local, nature-based community spaces can support:
Emotional stability
Reduced loneliness
Sustained social connection
Long-term participation
Unlike short-term interventions or retreat formats, Nidrana focuses on continuity over time. Participants return to the same place, with the same group, within a structured environment. This creates familiarity, safety, and a gradual sense of belonging.
Pilot Overview
The Nidrana pilot is a structured 12-week program designed to test feasibility, acceptability, and early outcomes.
Core Concept and Hypothesis
The pilot is built on a central hypothesis:
Regular access to the same local, nature-based space can create stronger and more sustainable benefits than one-time or short-term experiences.
Instead of focusing on intensity, the model focuses on:
repetition
familiarity
shared experience
gradual development of social connection
This allows participants to build a relationship with:
The 12-week structure combines depth with sustainability.
Week 1
Extended Onboarding Day
A 6 to 7 hour session designed to:
introduce the space and group
establish safety and expectations
create initial connection
collect baseline data
Weeks 2 to 11
Weekly Sessions
Weekly sessions of 4 to 5 hours designed to:
build rhythm and continuity
support regular participation
strengthen group familiarity
deepen engagement with the space
Week 12
Integration Day
A final extended session to:
reflect on the full experience
evaluate changes over time
explore continuation and future models
This structure allows meaningful development without overburdening participants.
Many existing programs are either too intensive or too fragmented.
A full-day weekly format can be unrealistic for people with:
work responsibilities
caregiving roles
limited energy or resources
The Nidrana model balances:
depth and accessibility
participant retention
scientific evaluation needs
cost efficiency
long-term scalability
It provides a substantial engagement level while remaining realistic for everyday life.
Core Activities
Nature-Based Practices
Body-Based Awareness
Group-Based Interaction
Reflection
Shared Meals
Contribution to the Space
Objectives
The pilot evaluates both outcomes and feasibility.
Primary Objective
The pilot includes a structured evaluation framework.
Measurement Timeline
Before the program (baseline)
Midpoint (week 6)
End of program (week 12)
Follow-up (week 24)
Key Measures
Well-being
Loneliness
Perceived stress
Sense of belonging and place connection
Additional Data
Attendance and retention rates
Participant feedback
Facilitator observations
Demand indicators such as waiting lists
The goal is to generate credible, non-clinical evidence of feasibility and potential impact.
Target Group
Experience stress or life transitions
Feel socially disconnected
Lack access to supportive community environments
Can participate safely in a group setting
Participation is referral-based, through:
Social Services
Municipalities
Community Organizations
NGOs
Health-related networks
The pilot does not include individuals requiring acute clinical care, ensuring safety and appropriate scope.
Location and Environment
The pilot takes place in a nature-based environment in Veluwe / Gelderland.
The location must:
Include outdoor natural space
Provide indoor fallback areas
Support calm and privacy
Allow repeated weekly use
Be accessible by public transport or shuttle
Expected Outcomes and Success Criteria
The pilot is considered successful if it demonstrates:
Strong participant retention
Consistent attendance
Manageable delivery and costs
Interest in continuation
Engagement from referral partners
Potential waiting list
The pilot does not claim clinical effectiveness. It aims to demonstrate feasibility, value, and scalability.
This pilot is designed as a prototype for permanent Nidrana spaces.
Outputs include:
Evaluation report
Participant insights
Refined program structure
Scalable model for replication
Partnership development
The long-term goal is to establish local, nature-based community spaces across Europe that support adult well-being and social cohesion.
Support the First Nidrana Pilot
We are currently seeking partners and supporters to bring this pilot to life.
Support may include:
