A Spoonful of Nature in the Mendip Hills

The Mendip Hills National Landscape Team will begin a series of free nature and wellbeing courses in July aimed at supporting local people that might be feeling lonely or experiencing anxiety, low mood or depression.

Evidence shows that spending time outdoors and connecting with nature can greatly support and improve our mental and physical health. The new project – called Mendip Nature Connections – will deliver wellbeing walks, training, and 6-18 week courses (half a day each week) designed around the five pathways to nature connectedness.

Photo credit © carolynsavidgeartist.co.uk

The first course will start on Wednesday 24th July in Weston-super-Mare, with subsequent courses based on nature reserves and farms in the Mendip Hills. Free transport can be provided and free taster sessions will run on 3rd and 10th July (1-3pm) at Coleridge Road Community Gardens in Bournville.

Mhairi Cornish, the Mendip Hills National Landscape Team’s new Nature & Wellbeing Specialist Officer said: “I’m really excited and grateful to be building on the inspiring work that we’ve been doing in the area for the past 7 years. I love being outside in natural environments, it gives me a great sense of freedom, calmness and belonging. I find great joy in sharing my passion and love for nature with others, and witnessing the collective change that happens when people come together with nature as the ‘glue’. I believe projects like this are essential for the recovery of our health and of nature.”

Tim Haselden, Project Development Officer for the Mendip Hills National Landscape Team said: “National Landscapes (the new name for ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’) and National Parks were created for the nation at the same time as the NHS, and are fantastic places to get out of breath and have your breath taken away. Whilst we need to protect nature reserves and farmland on Mendip, we also need to help everyone access and experience the outdoors, which in turn will develop their care for nature and support their health. We’re delighted to be delivering this project and to make stronger links between the National Health Service and our Natural Health Service.”

Mendip Nature Connections is funded by the Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme and the West of England’s Healthier with Nature Programme. This project builds on a recent partnership between Somerset’s National Landscapes and Somerset Wildlife Trust, with a new focus on connecting communities in North Somerset with nature and the beautiful countryside of the Mendip Hills.

Data from the previous project showed 88% of attendees had an increase in their self-esteem and an 84% increase in mood at the end of the course. A report by the Environment Agency in 2020 also stated that the NHS could save an estimated £2.1 billion every year in treatment costs if everyone in England had access to good quality green space.

For more information or to find out more about attending a taster session or course, please visit this page or call Mhairi on 07920 806100.