What is Nature Connect?
Nature Connect project runs regular group activities in Mile Cross to help adults to develop a deeper contact with nature for improved resilience and overall better good mental health.
The project will include the following elements:
- Resilience workshop
- Sowing and Growing groups
- Mindful Walking and Forest Bathing
- Nature Connect workshops and groups
Who is Nature Connect for?
People (over 18 years old) struggling with or at risk of low to moderate mental health conditions. This may also be as a consequence of COVID.
How do I access Nature Connect?
We are a self-referral service, and we ask all participants to complete a brief booking form to join our courses.
How can I find out more about Nature Connect?
Call us on 0300 330 5488 option 1 or email natureconnect@norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk where you will be met by a Recovery Triage Operator who will provide you with further information about this service.
Whether it’s you, someone in your family, a friend or a work colleague, we are here to support you.
Upcoming Groups and Workshops
Forest Bathing
A gentle guided stroll, taking time to tune into our senses, slow
down and take notice of the nature around us. Benefits can include
improved mood and reduced stress - leave feeling more relaxed!
Part of a new season of sessions taking place in and around Norwich.
October
Thursday 2nd October – Sloughbottom Park and Wensum Valley – 12.30pm – 2pm
Thursday 23rd October – Ketts Heights – 12.30pm - 2pm
Nature Connection in Lakenham
Tuesday 14th October, 4pm - 6pm
Wildflower Patch Creation with NWT at Milton Close
Friday 14th November, 1.15pm - 3pm
Meeting a Wild Plant, creative workshop Led by Holly Sandiford, Art at Work. At Old Lakenham Community Centre
A gentle, creative workshop exploring the beauty of a single wild plant. We’ll start with a short, relaxed wander outdoors to find a plant that catches your eye. We’ll experiment with different materials to create a unique piece of art that celebrates your plant and your experience of slowing down and really noticing. No art experience is needed — just curiosity and a willingness to explore
Tuesday 18th November, 12.30pm - 2pm
Walk and talk (gentle stroll with opportunities for conversation) from Tuckswood Library
A walk and talk for wellbeing, a gentle stroll with opportunities for conversation. A chance to connect with people in local green spaces, to share worries and concerns – to leave a little lighter.
Tuesday 16th December, 12.30pm - 2pm
Forest Bathing (a mindful stroll outside) at Netherwood Green
Forest Bathing or Shinrin-Yoku is the practice of spending time in the forest for better health, happiness and a sense of calm. A pillar of Japanese culture for decades, Shinrin-Yoku is a way to reconnect with nature, from walking mindfully in the woods, to a break in your local park, to walking barefoot on your lawn.
To book a place,get in touch with Lucy at natureconnect@norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk or on 07719971911
Nature Connection in Thorpe Hamlet
Thursday 23rd October, 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Forest Bathing (a mindful stroll outside) at Ketts Heights
Friday 31st October, 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Pumpkin Soup making and Sowing Seeds for growing at home in winter at Pilling Park Community Centre
Thursday 13th November, 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Forest Bathing (a mindful stroll outside) at Mousehold
Forest bathing or Shinrin-Yoku is the practice of spending time in the forest for better health, happiness and a sense of calm. A pillar of Japanese culture for decades, Shinrin-Yoku is a way to reconnect with nature, from walking mindfully in the woods, to a break in your local park, to walking barefoot on your lawn.
Tuesday 2nd December, 1.15pm - 3.15pm
Artivism - Planting Seeds for Change. Led by Emma Skeet, Share Your Story Through Art CIC at Plumstead Road Library
A fun workshop full of art, hope and kindness - to ourselves, our community and the natural world around us to reimagine the future. We will create miniature pieces of art for display to inspire others to bring about positive change. No need to be an artist.
To book a place,get in touch with Lucy at natureconnect@norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk or on 07719971911
Nature Connection in Mile Cross
Friday 17th October, 1pm - 3pm
Cyanotype Workshop at The Phoenix Centre
A camera-less, blue-tonal printing process that uses sunlight (UV light) to create white silhouettes on a blue background, we will provide natural items everyone can use to create their prints but welcome people to bring their own too.
Wednesday 5th November, 10.30am - 12.30pm
Artivism - Planting Seeds for Change Led by Emma Skeet, Share Your Story Through Art CIC. At Mile Cross Library
A fun workshop full of art, hope and kindness - to ourselves, our community and the natural world around us to reimagine the future. We will create miniature pieces of art for display to inspire others to bring about positive change. No need to be an artist.
Thursday 27th November, 12.30pm - 2pm
Forest Bathing (a mindful stroll outside) at Mile Cross Marsh
Forest bathing or Shinrin-Yoku is the practice of spending time in the forest for better health, happiness and a sense of calm. A pillar of Japanese culture for decades, Shinrin-Yoku is a way to reconnect with nature, from walking mindfully in the woods, to a break in your local park, to walking barefoot on your lawn.
Friday 12th December, 1pm - 2.30pm
Life Gardening (a workshop to notice the seasons) facilitated by Shona from Buzzards and Worms at Mile Cross Library
A workshop developed to support people connect with nature to help us reflect and celebrate our own lives – looking at your life like a garden. A session to reflect each season, informed by eco-therapy principles.
To book a place,get in touch with Lucy at natureconnect@norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk or on 07719971911
Life Gardening through the seasons.
Life Gardening with Norfolk and Waveney Mind at Mile Cross Library Garden.
A workshop to connect with nature as a way to help us reflect and celebrate our own lives – looking at your life like a garden. A session informed by eco-therapy principles and facilitated by Shona from Buzzards and Worms.
Winter - Friday 12th December, 1pm - 2:30pm
- How can we keep connected to our own rhythm during the seasonal holidays that are coming our way?
- Can we make some space to reflect on our year and celebrate what we have achieved?
- How can we make space for rest this Winter?
- As the leaves get collected up for compost, what can we compost from our year?
- In what ways can we tend to ourselves with kindness and compassion this Winter?
- What keeps us rooted and connected through the dark months?
Three Roots/Routes to Emotional Resilience