16
January,
2024
Talbot Village Trust is launching a new series of events, exploring wellbeing and mindfulness, heritage, arts, and creativity.
Following its popular Winter Solstice event in December, Talbot Village Trust has launched a new ‘live well’ programme of activities for 2024, from arts and crafts to volunteering, wellbeing and historical research.
The series kicks off with activities at Slades Farm in January; held at Active Dorset’s Slades Park Pavilion:
Wet Felting Workshop – Monday 30 January
Eco-Psychology & Nature-Based Practice Facilitators Karin Meineke and Ali Thomas will run the NatureWell course in in trust-owned woodlands beside Slades Farm, exploring ‘5 Pathways to Nature Connectedness’.
Developed by the Natural Academy and underpinned by Derby University’s study of the impact of nature connectedness on mental health outcomes, Karin’s course has been adopted by several NHS Trusts across the UK, guiding participants to enhanced mental wellbeing through increased engagement with and care for the natural environment.
Karin said: “Winter can be a challenging time for mental health. The long dark nights and chilly wet days can get us down, or bring to the foreground existing struggles even when we go into spring.”
“Our six-week NatureWell course is a science backed approach to support mental and physical health and wellbeing through mindful nature connection practices and community building. Humans are social creatures, and being with others who are facing similar challenges can be very supportive.”
Eco-Therapist Amanda Jones of Feel Good Nature Wanders will also offer Forest Bathing sessions fortnightly on Wednesday afternoons, 1-3pm.
Feel Good Nature Wanders – Forest Bathing sessions
Martha Searle, Community and Engagement Lead at Talbot Village Trust, said: “Following such a successful day of events and activities for Winter Solstice in December, we’re really pleased to be launching a wider programme of events across the year in 2024.
“These engaging and relaxing events use art and nature to enhance wellbeing – something that speaks to our Trust’s core mission and purpose in helping people to live well. We’d like to draw attention to the ticket types offering a range of prices to suit different levels of affordability; helping people from across all backgrounds to engage with the programme and come along.”
The Trust will also be hosting volunteering sessions for conservation work focused on native species recovery in Talbot woodland. Activities include litter picking, surveying activities, and removing invasive species. Volunteers meet at Slades Park Pavilion on Thursday mornings, from 10am-12pm. Refreshments are provided, and wet weather clothing and shoes are recommended.
Book event tickets here. To find out more about volunteering, email: martha@talbotvillagetrust.org.
