Loving by Nature CIC
A community-rooted organisation growing creativity, connection and sustainability in Dorset
Loving by Nature CIC was created to extend the reach of what many already know and love about our Dorchester shop — care for people, care for the planet, and a deep commitment to supporting families. While our retail store continues to offer sustainable products and gentle essentials for everyday family life, the CIC operates as an independent, not-for-profit organisation with its own governance, bank account and asset lock.
This structure allows us to deliver community programmes, expand our workshops, and strengthen the local support networks that families depend on. The shop and CIC work in harmony: the shop provides space, visibility and day-to-day connection with the community, while the CIC enables us to grow our social impact far beyond what a small business can do alone.
Our Mission
To nurture creativity, community connection and sustainable living for families across Dorset, ensuring everyone — whatever their background — can access empowering, inclusive and environmentally responsible support.
What Loving by Nature CIC Does
Creative Workshops & Wellbeing Activities
We are growing a rich programme of community workshops designed to support families, adults and children. These sessions bring people together through art, nature-based creativity, storytelling, sensory play, wellbeing practices, and seasonal celebrations.
By operating through the CIC, we can subsidise places, offer free community sessions, and collaborate with local partners to make our programmes accessible to all. We can support local artists and creators, ensuring they are paid fairly for their time and expertise in delivering projects that benefit the community.
Managing Dorset’s Reusable Nappy Library
Loving by Nature CIC now oversees the long-established Dorset Reusable Nappy Library, offering guidance, loan kits and one-to-one support to help families confident when choosing to reuse.
We are proud to work closely with Dorset Council and Dorset Waste Partnership, delivering the Starter Pack Scheme, which enables families to receive a free trial kit and expert advice. The CIC ensures this vital service continues sustainably, with improved reach and long-term stability.
Working in Partnership for Greater Impact
Community thrives when organisations collaborate, and we are delighted to work alongside local artists, illustrators and craftspeople, as well as welcoming collaborative working with other Community Interest Companies, organisations and charities.
Together, we’re building a network that strengthens family wellbeing, expands access to creativity, and supports access to and connection with our amazing natural environment around Dorchester.
Upcoming Community Projects
With the establishment of the CIC, we’re laying the foundations for several exciting community initiatives, including:
Support for the reusable nappy library
Creative nature-based learning for children
Workshops for parents and carers
Peer-support sessions, skills exchanges within the community
Arts and wellbeing projects collaborating with local practitioners
Expanded sustainability education, including looking at circular economies, repair and reuse
Our goal is to create opportunities that are creative, inclusive, practical and joyful — always with the needs of our local community at the centre.
Why a CIC?
Launching Loving by Nature CIC enables us to:
Apply for grant funding and community investment
Offer low-cost or free activities
Grow partnerships and social impact
Protect and expand the reusable nappy library
Support families who may otherwise face barriers to participation
By holding the same trusted name as the shop, the CIC builds on a foundation of local relationships, familiarity and warmth — while operating independently to ensure accountability and charitable purpose.
Join Us on This Journey
We’re excited about what Loving by Nature CIC will make possible — not just for families who already visit us, but for those in the wider community who may need more support to access our provision.
Whether you’re a funder, a partner, a parent or simply someone who believes in nurturing community and the natural world, we would love to take you with us on this next chapter.
For partnership enquiries, grant conversations or to learn more about our programmes, please get in touch: charlotte@lbndorset.com
