Join us and get ‘In Step with Nature’. Experience the mental and physical benefits connecting with nature.
Through our In Step with Nature project we’re encouraging groups and individuals to notice and connect with nature in small but significant ways.
Benefits of Nature connection
There is a vast difference between simply passing through nature and connecting with it. The former can have health benefits due to taking physical activity and getting fresh air. However connecting with nature has shown to us, to build upon those benefits can significantly impact physical and mental wellbeing.
The 5 pathways to connect with nature
The Nature Connectedness Research Group at the University of Derby has identified five pathways to enhanced nature connectedness:
- Senses – tuning in to nature through the senses
- Emotion – feeling alive through the emotions and feelings nature brings
- Beauty – noticing nature’s beauty
- Meaning – nature bringing meaning to our lives
- Compassion – caring and taking action for nature
The In Step with Nature project aims to encourage nature connection through all five pathways.
In Step with Nature – explained.
The focus – Every month we have a new focus, which is in line with the changing seasons. We encourage participants to notice an aspect of nature whilst out on their walks. Recent focuses have included mushrooms, red squirrels and tree seeds.
The invitation – We’ll then invite participants to take part in an identification challenge or a nature connection invitation, such as slowing down and engaging the senses in various ways.
Our health walkers often get involved with the project, using the focuses as prompts to take notice of their surroundings while they walk. However, to take part you don’t have to be in a health walk group. Next time you take a wander in your garden or a meander to the shops, take a moment to step, stop, smell, watch and listen. Surprise us by the things you find!
‘In Step with Nature’ also highlights events, national campaigns, opportunities in the National Park, raising awareness and encouraging collaboration across organisations. Recent highlighted events include Cashel Forest’s fungi festival and the Great Scottish Squirrel survey.
Get involved
You can sign up to receive a bi-monthly update via email or join our WhatsApp group to share your experiences and enjoy others’ contributions. Contact [email protected] to be added, or if you are part of an organisation and wish to collaborate. Alternatively, join the conversation on our Facebook page @trustinthepark.
Take a moment to enjoy some highlights shared with us by our participants:
With thanks to funding from: National Lottery Heritage Fund.