Did you know that Species on the Edge is making a difference not just for nature but also for people? We’re helping communities and groups across Scotland boost their physical and mental wellbeing by connecting with nature.
Connecting with our natural world has been proven to have a range of benefits for both our physical and mental health: it boosts our immune system, improves our memory and concentration, reduces stress and promotes relaxation, improves our sleep quality, reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, and can reduce respiratory illnesses. In addition, people that feel a connection with nature are more likely to take action for nature – so, taking the time to properly connect with nature isn’t just a win for us, it’s a win for nature too!
That’s why Species on the Edge is embarking on a range of nature-connection projects across Scotland – for the good of our health and the health of our natural world. Here’s a look at what we’re up to:
Prescribing nature in Orkney
We have been excited to work with RSPB Scotland and NHS Orkney to kick off Orkney’s first ever Nature Prescription scheme. Orkney locals can go to their GP and request a Nature Prescription which comes along with a Nature Prescription Calendar – a calendar of seasonal ideas of how people can connect with nature that will boost both their mental and physical health. Ideas include noticing patterns in the frost, feeling the rain on your face, keeping a nature diary and keeping note of how being in nature makes you feel, and exploring somewhere outdoors that you’ve never been before.
One person who has used a Nature Prescription said: “It is easy to forget just how helpful going for a walk in the woods, beach or park lifts your spirits, especially with “life” getting in the way. Having the “permission” to take time out and reconnect with nature has made a huge difference. It is a powerful and deep emotional boost/tonic that does help, as simple and basic as it may seem.”
A fantastic initiative and we’re so glad to have contributed both to its development, and now to be helping those who are using it; Species on the Edge Orkney Officer Sam is leading regular accessible nature connection walks, helping people get outside, learn about, enjoy and connect with the amazing natural world on their doorstep. More on that below.
Leading accessible nature walks in Orkney
Sam has been leading accessible nature walks in collaboration with a number of local groups and organisations, as well as NHS Orkney as part of the Nature Prescription scheme. During these walks, the group takes a gentle stroll along a path on easy terrain, noticing the nature around them, with Sam on hand to point out the beasties, birds, and plants they see on their way. We have been heartened to have been told that people of all abilities have felt comfortable joining in and their confidence boosted. One participant recounted one particularly special moment when she spotted a short-ear owl for her very first time on one of these walks, flying close to the group in the early morning mist – how special!
Another notable walk was one Sam led during Mental health Awareness Week – at 3am! On this summertime dawn walk, Sam helped the group focus their senses on the sounds and sight of the natural world. One of the group told us: “Walking out of the darkness into the light this morning helped us focus on the balancing, wonderful natural environment we were moving through”.
Watercolour Wellbeing Workshops on the North Coast
On the North Coast, we’ve had the pleasure of working with Plantlife Artist in Residence, Iris Hill, to host some Watercolour Wellbeing Workshops rooted in the ‘species on the edge’ of the north coast: small blue butterfly, great yellow bumblebee, Scottish primrose, purple oxytropis, and oysterplant. Because several of these species are quite rare and hard to find, it was very special to bring these species to participants who had never seen them before, allowing participants to study them, learn about them, connect with them and be inspired by them.
‘Nature for All’ creative sessions in Mull and Argyll
Across Mull and Argyll, we have been hosting nature-focused creative writing, journaling and willow-weaving sessions. In these sessions, participants are invited to reflect on and be inspired by the natural world around them, in particular their local ‘species on the edge’.
It’s been fantastic to hear from participants how these sessions helped them connect with nature, facilitated discussions with their fellow participants about the natural world, and made a positive impact on their mental wellbeing.
“Positive wellbeing and mental health, saw my local area from a new perspective, inspired new ideas and increased knowledge. I will write more often and plan to participate more.”
Here’s one poem written during one of these sessions:
Burnet moth
Red on Black
Delicate yet tough
Elusive and rare
Mull’s very own
The North Coast Wellness Film
On the North Coast, in collaboration with Flow North Coast Yoga Studio we have embarked on a particularly exciting project – a Caithness Nature Relaxation film! Against a backdrop of stunning landscape vistas and shots of local wildlife and community greenspaces, viewers are guided in taking notice of their breathing, movement and of the natural world they are part of. The film helps viewers to feel mindful and present, connecting to and grounding themselves in nature without having to go out in search of it.
Alongside the film, which is accessible to all on YouTube, Species on the Edge North Coast Officer Louise and Ian Black from North Flow Yoga will be running a series of Nature Connection workshops, helping local groups connect with nature for the benefit of their physical and mental wellbeing. If you are interested in finding out more about these workshops, please contact louise.senior@plantlife.org.uk.
