EcoWild are delivering a new two and a half year free nature and wellbeing programme in Waterside Valley, Westfield, as part of the recently launched Somer Valley Rediscovered project.

Each year EcoWild will offer six-week Nature, Craft, Connection courses throughout the year, plus four taster sessions for up to twelve participants each.

The sessions are free of charge and will involve mindful, active, and creative activities to help participants engage with nature, support their wellbeing, learn more about plants and animals, and get to know the local landscape.

Those taking part will learn new skills using natural materials such as willow and charcoal and learn about nature’s cycles. They will be supported to cultivate habits of connection to each other, the land and their own emotions in ways that are supportive of healthier living.

The sessions will be based from the St Nicholas’ Church Centre, meeting at SWALLOW Community cafe, and will use the space along the Waterside Valley between Haydon Batch and the Miners’ Pool for activities. Everyone in the Somer Valley and surrounding area is welcome to attend.

The programme is supportive for people who are going through major life changes such as recovering from serious illness, addiction, managing mental health challenges, who are suffering from overwhelm or chronic stress.

It aims to support them to reconnect with the natural world, themselves, and each other; to navigate the challenges they face; and to feel positive about their purpose going forward.

EcoWild has been supporting the local community in Bath & North East Somerset for ten years through evidence-based practices which build resilience and wellbeing.

Holding these interventions in the green spaces that are community assets enables a deeper relationship with these spaces and the possibility of people and nature thriving together in our communities.

EcoWild Director Emily Malik said, “We are delighted to be partnering with Somer Valley Rediscovered to bring more of our nature and wellbeing activities to the local community and build on the courses delivered here previously in partnership with Creativity Works and Bath Mind.”

Somer Valley Rediscovered is a strategic green infrastructure project led by Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) Council, Wessex Water, B&NES Public Health and Natural England, funded from the West of England Combined Authority Green Recovery Fund.

In response to growing evidence that access to greenspace has positive effects on both physical and mental health Somer Valley Rediscovered aims to improve biodiversity and, by increasing people’s connections to nature, improve health and wellbeing.

Somer Valley Rediscovered Project Officer Phoebe Webster said, “We are really excited to be funding and working with EcoWild as part of the Somer Valley Rediscovered Project to improve the health and wellbeing of the community.”

The programme will open with taster sessions on Thursday, 20th July and Thursday, 3rd August, offering anyone interested in the programme the opportunity to find out more. The first six-week course will start on Thursday, 24th August.

Booking for the taster sessions and first six-week course is now open via www.ecowild.org.uk/book-now.