Blog

  • Apply to become a Nature Connection Leader

    Apply to become a Nature Connection Leader

     

    Reconnect is looking to train a team of volunteer Nature Connection Leaders to co-deliver our successful nature connection and wellbeing course. This level 3 train the trainer course includes:

    • Gaining an understanding of Reconnect’s approach to nature connection, mental health and wellbeing.
    • Understanding peer support relationships for wellbeing and personal development.
    • Gaining skills and knowledge in using nature based acitivites for wellbeing, including nature awareness, camp craft, and nature art and nature writing.
    • Learning how to facilitate nature based wellbeing groups with a focus on mentoring skills, leadership skills and facilitating groups.
    • Learning to manage nature based wellbeing groups with the relevant policies, procedures, safety and evaluations.
    • 6 days training outdoors in a woodland.
    • Level 3 course  –  written and practical assessments.

    Training is free and will include 2 days of voluntary delivery as a Nature Connection Leader. By the end of the course you will be confident in leading Reconnect’s nature connection sessions in woodland settings.

    This training is provided free through funding that aims to build and share the work of Reconnect and so we are looking for people that can offer mutual benefit for any future engagement or support.

    The course dates are as follows:

    26th July, 2nd, 9th, 23rd August, 1st and 2nd September 2018 which includes an overnight camp.

    All training will take place in a woodland 10 minutes north from Narberth, Pembrokeshire.

    If you’re interested please fill in this application form by 12th July –  https://goo.gl/forms/8od8O1q9JCHkMQV52

    Person specification:

    • Natural empathy to help others
    • Some experience of supporting others
    • Good listening skills
    • Confidence to become a group leader
    • Ability to nurture a positive team ethos
    • A good connection to nature or desire to nurture this connection
    • Capacity to learn new skills and to gain accreditation as Nature Connection leader
    • Reliability and commitment to complete the training and to co-deliver Nature Connection sessions.

    The selection process may involve an informal telephone interview.

    This a valuable training package and we are thankful for the LEADER plus project administered by PLANED to have funded the training packages for 2018 and Public Health Wales for their match funding.

    thank you,

    The Reconnect in Nature team.

     

     

     

     

    Supported by the Leader Programme in Pembrokeshire

  • Upcoming courses and dates.

    We have lots going on this year, so here’s the programme of our upcoming courses.

    Nature Connections and Wellbeing Summer Course and Digital Media Course.

    A 5 day course aimed at improving people’s mental health, wellbeing and confidence.

    The digital media course is run alongside this and aims to teach people about mobile photography and video editing skills, while connecting with the natural world.

    Location: Withybush Woods, Haverfordwest.

    Dates: 7th, 14th, 21st, 29th June and 4th July 2018

     

    Nature Connection Leader Training

    A 6 day train the trainer course aimed at individuals who want to learn to co-deliver our successful nature connection and wellbeing course.

    Location: Near Narberth, Pembrokeshire

    Dates: 26th July, 2nd, 9th, 23rd August, 1st and 2nd September 2018

     

    Nature Connections and Wellbeing Autumn Course and Digital Media Course.

    A 5 day course aimed at improving people’s mental health, wellbeing and confidence.

    The digital media course is run alongside this and aims to teach people about mobile photography and video editing skills, while connecting with the natural world.

    Location: TBC

    Dates: 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th September and 5th October 2018

     

    Nature Connections and Wellbeing Winter Course and Digital Media Course.

    A 5 day course aimed at improving people’s mental health, wellbeing and confidence.

    The digital media course is run alongside this and aims to teach people about mobile photography and video editing skills, while connecting with the natural world.

    Location: TBC

    Dates: 26th October, 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd November 2018

     

    Supported by the Leader Programme in Pembrokeshire

     

  • Trees and Wellbeing Conference. Reflections from our visit to Oxford Brookes University.

    Last week we attended the Trees and Wellbeing Conference at Oxford Brookes University that brought together researchers and practitioners to discuss how, and why, trees, forests and woodland can make us all feel better.

    Here’s what we took we away from our two day trip:

    1. There are a lot of good things happening across the UK when it comes to nature based intervention for health and wellbeing.

    • Projects in Cornwall (A Dose of Nature) show that even small amount of time in nature over a 12 week period has a 69% increase in wellbeing.
    • Westonbirt Arboretum, who have a community project very similar to our own, use their woodland to provide a safe space for people to take part in hands-on day visits and practical conservation activities.
    • NHS Forest work with the NHS to improve the health and wellbeing of staff, patients and communities through increasing access to green space.
    • Cities Alive by Arup is rethinking how we should design and manage cities in the future particularly thinking about green spaces.
    • Trees for Cities,who work in urban spaces working on tree planting projects and and Edible Playgrounds.
    • The Sylva Foundation – who connect people to woodlands and enable them to grow and manage their own trees. They also inspired us to do more wood working.
    • We also like the sound of a proposed county wide nature-on-referral service in Cornwall where patients will be encouraged to join groups that involve walking in natural places, and other nature-based activities to improve their health and wellbeing.

     

    2. The evidence of nature’s impact on our wellbeing is easy to find.

    There is a whole list of studies and research here and here, and the Valuing Nature Health and Wellbeing programme has some really interesting current studies taking place across the UK. One of the early piece of published research comes from 1938 called, Convalescence on the coast, exploring the idea that sending people to beautiful places helps recovery.

     

    3. Our childhood experience of nature matters.

    We know that the experiences we have as children have an important impact on our lives. Talks by Sally York, Education Policy Advisor, at Forestry Commission Scotland and Liz O’Brien of Forest Research, both mentioned how outdoor learning and connection to nature as children has a lasting effect on our lives. We have seen recently through the work of Robert Macfarlane and his book The Lost Words that words such as Dandelion, Otter, Bramble and Acorn are being removed from childrens language and with it as Sally York said “the insidious creeping loss of experience”. Connecting children to nature is as vital as ever and the work of people like Stephen Kellert on the stages of progression and connection are really insightful.

    4. Trees, woodlands, and nature have huge social and cultural importance.

    “I sincerely love & worship trees & know that they are people & wonderfully beautiful people.”

    Paul Nash

    The other side of this conference was about how trees are intertwined with us and our history as a species. Poets such as WH Auden, Edward Thomas, Mary Oliver, and John Clare and artists like Mark Gertler and Paul Nash, all show how nature shapes our minds, our creativity and our world.

    “The trees encountered on a country stroll
    Reveal a lot about a country’s soul.”

    WH Auden

    This more emotive and poetic side of the conference prompted discussions around what we mean by evidence based decision making and does poetry and art count as evidence? Our connection runs deeper than numbers and statistics so perhaps there should less empahsis on normal data we come to see as evidence.

    What we took away with us above all, is that bringing together a wide range of people from different organisations and places can build shared understandings of the value of trees and nature. It feels like there is a direction and common value around trees and woodlands and there is room for more of this exploration. We know we’d like to build our own gathering and conference in Wales in the future.

     


     

     

    Other resources we came across are…

    The Tree Charter which sets out the principles for a society in which people and trees can stand stronger together.

    A manifesto for the green mind: a call for a revolution to bring nature into our lives by Jules Pretty.

    myForest Directory, helps to connect you with others in the forestry and woodland sector.

    How to Hygge a Tree, a resource that inspires organisations to work with communities in woodlands.

  • Show & Tell Event 31st May

    This is an opportunity for anyone to find out what we do at Reconnect in Nature and understand how nature has a postive impact on our wellbeing.

    Our participants and volunteers will be showcasing their nature art and nature writing and we’ll be giving a presentation about our Nature Connections and Wellbeing courses and our digital media courses. Please come and join us, all welcome.

    Meeting point is at Withybush Woods car park, Haverfordwest, SA62 4BS.

    1pm until 2.45 pm 31st May 2018.

    Drop us an email at reconnectcymru@gmail.com to let us know you’re coming.

    See you there!

  • Reconnect Digital Media Summer Course Haverfordwest

    Would you like to learn how to make short videos in the outdoors?

    Reconnect in Nature’s Digital Media Workshops are aimed to teach people about mobile photography and video editing skills, while connecting with the natural world.

    Throughout this course we will be exploring the theme of Summer and as a group we will focus on something different each week in the video making process. It will be shadowing and documenting our Nature Connections and Wellbeing group focused upon improving mental wellbeing. The course includes the following elements delivered over 5 weeks:

    • Mobile photography using iphones
    • The principles of photography
    • Sound recording techniques
    • How to tell stories
    • Video editing
    • Filmmaking process from idea to upload
    • Connecting to nature through digital media

    The five sessions are 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th June and 4th July 2018.
    Location: Haverfordwest.
    Time: 10am-3pm.

    The workshops are facilitated by a professional filmmaker, Mike Erskine, who has created online films for organisations across the UK and abroad.

    At Reconnect we aim to create a safe space for people to learn and connect with each other and with nature. Wellbeing and mental health is at the heart of what we do.

    If you’re interested please fill in this application form – https://goo.gl/forms/5NjO7jVhNGwGZk8F2

    We are thankful for the LEADER plus project administered by PLANED who have funded the courses for 2018.

    thank you,

    The Reconnect in Nature team.

    Supported by the Leader Programme in Pembrokeshire

  • Nature Connections and Wellbeing Summer Course

    Reconnect in Nature is running another free five week course aimed at improving people’s mental health, wellbeing and confidence. Come join us to welcome in the summer season.

    The five sessions are 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th June and 4th July.
    Location: Haverfordwest.
    Time: 10am-3pm.

    • Meet new friends in a supportive environment.
    • Learn camp craft skills.
    • Engage in nature awareness through nature art and nature writing.
    • Enjoy the peace of the woods.
    • And have fun outdoors!

    Throughout this course we will be exploring the theme of Summer and as a group we will focus on something different each week such as nature art or campcraft skills. Most of all it will be space where everyone will feel comfortable and can tune into their surroundings.

    If you’re interested please fill in this application form – https://goo.gl/forms/pUd7svu3ECwrPQwz1

    We are thankful for the LEADER plus project administered by PLANED who have funded the courses for 2018.

    thank you,

    The Reconnect in Nature team.

     

    Supported by the Leader Programme in Pembrokeshire

  • What does spring mean to you?

    What does spring mean to you?

     

  • Digital Media Course

    Would you like to learn how to make short videos in the outdoors?

    Reconnect in Nature’s Digital Media Workshops are aimed to teach people about mobile photography and filmmaking skills.

    Throughout this course we will be exploring the theme of Spring and as a group we will focus on something different each week in the video making process. It will be shadowing and documenting our Nature Connections and Wellbeing group focused upon improving mental wellbeing. The course includes the following elements delivered over 5 weeks:

    • Mobile photography using iphones
    • The principles of photography
    • Sound recording techniques
    • How to tell stories
    • Video editing
    • Filmmaking process from idea to upload
    • Connecting to nature through digital media

    The five sessions are 26th April, 3rd May, 17th May, 24th May and 31st May.
    Location: Pembroke Dock.
    Time: 10am-3pm.

    The workshops are facilitated by a professional filmmaker, Mike Erskine, who has created online films for organisations across the UK and abroad.

    At Reconnect we aim to create a safe space for people to learn and connect with each other and with nature. Wellbeing and mental health is at the heart of what we do.

    If you’re interested please fill in this application form – https://goo.gl/forms/hV8jJZaQzvq4JdZm1

    We are thankful for the LEADER plus project administered by PLANED who have funded the courses for 2018.

    thank you,

    The Reconnect in Nature team.

    Supported by the Leader Programme in Pembrokeshire

  • Nature Connections and Wellbeing Spring Course

    Reconnect in Nature is running a free five week course aimed at improving people’s mental health, wellbeing and confidence. Come join us around the camp fire!

    The five sessions are 26th April, 3rd May, 17th May, 24th May and 31st May.
    Location: Pembroke Dock.
    Time: 10am-3pm.

    • Meet new friends in a supportive environment.
    • Learn camp craft skills.
    • Engage in nature awareness through nature art and nature writing.
    • Enjoy the peace of the woods.
    • And have fun outdoors!

    Throughout this course we will be exploring the theme of Spring and as a group we will focus on something different each week such as nature art or campcraft skills. Most of all it will be space where everyone will feel comfortable and can tune into their surroundings.

    If you’re interested please fill in this application form – https://goo.gl/forms/fFYmwsCDIGdyZis13

    We are thankful for the LEADER plus project administered by PLANED who have funded the courses for 2018.

    thank you,

    The Reconnect in Nature team.

    Supported by the Leader Programme in Pembrokeshire

  • Apply to become a Nature Connection Leader.

    Reconnect is looking to train a team of volunteer Nature Connection Leaders to co-deliver our successful nature connection and wellbeing course. This train the trainer course includes:

    • 6 days training in woodlands.
    • Gaining skills and knowledge in Nature Awareness, Camp Craft, and Nature Art.
    • Learning how to manage groups, people skills, and leadership skills.
    • Gaining an understanding of Reconnect’s approach to mental health and wellbeing.
    • Time and space in nature with others.

    Training is free and will include some voluntary delivery as a Nature Connection Leader. By the end of the course you will be confident in leading Reconnect’s nature connection sessions in woodland settings.

    The course dates are as follows:

    2nd March, 9th March, 16th March, 23rd March,  and a two day session on 6th and 7th April 2018 which includes an overnight camp.

    All training will take place in a woodland 10 minutes north from Narberth, Pembrokeshire.

    If you’re interested please fill in this application form by 16th February 2018 – https://goo.gl/forms/nBlLLyf6HWEhK9hU2

    Person specification:

    • Natural empathy to help others
    • Some experience of supporting others
    • Good listening skills
    • Confidence to become a group leader
    • Ability to nurture a positive team ethos
    • A good connection to nature or desire to nurture this connection
    • Capacity to learn new skills and to gain accreditation as Nature Connection leader
    • Reliability and commitment to complete the training and to co-deliver Nature Connection sessions

    This a valuable training package and we are thankful for the LEADER plus project administered by PLANED to have funded the training packages for 2018.

    thank you,

    The Reconnect in Nature team.

    Supported by the Leader Programme in Pembrokeshire