EcoWild, a not-for-profit organisation running several projects in the area, encourages local individuals and groups to explore their environment by creating inspiring opportunities within the natural world.

With a free programme of wellbeing courses for adults and children, there is a lot to explore for everyone within the organisation. Below are just some of the free activities EcoWild are offering, explained by Emily Malik, EcoWild’s Director:

Men’s Woodland Project Group: Join EcoWild practitioner Nick for this half day session in the woods: enjoying each other’s company, making the fire, walking for those who want to, and working on small projects around the roundhouse.

Notice the seasons, wildlife and landscape around you, with the support of a friendly and knowledgeable facilitator. This group meet every Wednesday from 10am-1pm, with the next meeting being on Wednesday, 17th January in Greyfield Wood, High Littleton BS39 6YE. To learn more about this group, or to book, visit: ecowild.org.uk/book-now.

Nature, Craft, Connection: Waterside Valley: A free six-week course for adults of all ages to explore, reignite and deepen connections to the living world and our relationship with it, and benefit from the support, health and wellbeing found in this. A free soup lunch is provided at the end of the session.

The course offers easy practices to engage with nature and to learn more of its plants, animals, and the land around us through natural land skills, crafting / creative activities, mindfulness, sharing inspirations and wandering in nature. The creative practice will include a variety of nature crafts using materials such as willow, charcoal, wool and wood.

You will be guided to be aware of the living world around us, and how it can support us. There will be a chance to check in where we will be able to share and hear from each other.

The course allows for people to explore and experience nature according to their own relationship with it, to learn and enjoy it in ways that naturally suit them best. There is no expectation to engage in these activities, you can see how you feel on the day.

There is a toilet and café on the site. We will be walking down Waterside Valley to set up camp chairs by the river and explore the surrounds. When cold we will have a fire to warm us and heat water for hot drinks. If the weather is really wild we’ll use the Church rooms for indoor crafting space.

This course is funded by and part of the Somer Valley Rediscovered project, 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.

The course runs every Thursday from 10am-1pm, to find out more, or put your name on the waiting list, visit: https://bookwhen.com/ecowild#focus=ev-szt9-20240118100000

Egyptian Dance: Carmen has been bringing Middle Eastern (bellydance) dance and joy to the southwest for many years.

Join her for an afternoon of dance which will include hearing about the context and history of the dance form, connecting with each other and the woodland, and of course plenty of dancing!

Belly dancing is one of the most ancient forms of dance which was originally performed by women for women to celebrate all the stages of womanhood. Carrying on that tradition, Carmen is taking her dance classes into the woods and celebrating the feminine spirit in nature.

On this taster session, we will celebrate our body’s connection to the Earth with grounded, strong moves focussing on the hips while dancing to Egyptian drums.

Ignite the “Fire in your belly” with sizzling shimmies and playful moves that are passionate and spirited. Capture the essence of the sky and air learning to dance with a veil and relax with the fluid, soothing, and flowing water moves.

Veils, hip scarves as well as refreshments will be provided.

This activity will take place on 18th January, 22nd February and 14th March.

Please register with the Wellbeing Course Service for this session: www.wellbeing-courses.co.uk/courses/1052a819-2eba-493b-ae9f-93d04bbe8fd9/Egyptian%20Dance?hasAvailability%5B%5D=null

Above photo credit: Shannon Turner.

Below: EcoWild Practioner, Becca Quirk.