Watch a short video on YouTube from our Heart and Mind Series entitled Connecting with Nature.
Connecting with the natural spaces around us is vital in many respects. Sadly over time the number & size of these spaces have shrunk due to industrialisation. Nevertheless, Leamington has some fantastic spaces to achieve this. Research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. Nature can generate a multitude of positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, creativity and can facilitate concentration.
Some great examples include
- Newbold Comyn
- Central parks (Jephson, Victoria & Pumps rooms)
- Mill Garden
Do you have any safe places you would like to share with us? If so please follow us on social media & let us know!
To enjoy nature as part of a group please see our physical activity page.
Ecotherapy @Foundry Wood Leamington
Foundry Wood have started running regular ecotherapy sessions – now on TUESDAYS from 10am-1pm throughout the year.
Ecotherapy is a term for activities to promote good mental and physical wellbeing through outdoor activity in a green environment. Being able to connect with nature has positive mental health benefits.
Ecotherapy @ Foundry Wood sessions do not offer one-to-one or group therapy in the traditional sense. Healing and growth is nurtured by the participant’s own interaction with the natural environment.
Ecotherapy @ Foundry Wood runs for the benefit and pleasure of anyone with a mental health problem as well as for the wider community. No experience is necessary, but if you do have skills to share, please do.
The sessions aim to incorporate Mind’s five ways to wellbeing.
*Connect, *Be active, *Take notice, *Learn *Give
Sessions tend to involve practical woodland maintenance tasks as well as art / craft activities (indoors on wet days). There are opportunities to learn more about the natural world. We take time to observe nature and the changing seasons. Participants share and learn skills from one another. We spend time socialising over a hot drink and a biscuit or two. We incorporate mindfulness meditation in some sessions.
Sessions aim to establish a friendly, respectful culture where participants support and encourage one another. Caring for Foundry Wood together provides an opportunity for talking and listening to one another. Through learning to care for the natural environment we learn to care for and nurture ourselves. Working through the seasons can help us to see that the environment is continually changing and we can also be open to change within.
If you are interested in joining these sessions, just come along any TUESDAY from 10am to the outdoor classroom at Foundry Wood, or get in touch with Kath – kath@arccic.co.uk / 07814 605245. Sessions are free and hot drinks and biscuits are provided.
Two sessions every Tuesday - 10.00am or 12.00pm
Provider: ARC - Achieving Results in Communities
Address: Foundry Wood, Princes Drive, Leamington Spa, CV32 6AF
Contact: 07814 605 245, kath@arccic.co.uk
https://www.foundrywood.co.uk/ecotherapy/