Think Health Think Nature April Newsletter
Hello,
How are you? Have you been enjoying the lighter evenings like us? It’s been great to get outside and connect with nature more!
We’ve got lots of events, resources and opportunities to keep you busy this month.
Happy reading!
Events
Cairngorms Nature Festival
The Cairngorms National Park is the most amazing place for nature so it’s no wonder that a quarter of the rarest species in the UK make their home there!
Celebrate the park’s outstanding wildlife and landscapes at the Cairngorms Nature Festival from May 12-21.
With over 80 activities across the national park, there will be something for everyone, from expert talks and walks, self-led and supervised activities, accessible events and volunteering opportunities where you can get your hands dirty!
Many events are free, so please book your place early to avoid disappointment.
Visit the Cairngorms National Park website to learn more and book your place.
Beltane at The Shieling Project
Beltane at The Shieling Project is a one and a half day event from 10am Saturday, April 29 to 2pm Sunday, April 30 aimed at young people working in land use and sustainability, as well as those in the local community looking to learn more about The Shieling Project.
The event will feature a range of presentations, workshops and discussions introducing participants to the project, the Shieling system of life, rural sustainability, wellbeing and regenerative farming.
There will also be a traditional ceilidh on the Saturday evening with food and entertainment!
High Life Highland: Wildflower Meadow Mosaic
Join High Life Highland rangers to create wildflower meadows in your area to give joy to passers by and benefit pollinators and other insects!
Learn more and find a meadow making day near you at the link below.
Green Hive Alien Detectives
Learn about invasive non-native plant species in Nairn on Tuesday, April 11 with this session full of exciting, challenging and fun activities for young people!
Nature Walks for Wellbeing - Inverness
Almanac Launch
Join us at High Life Highland libraries to pick up your very own copy of our brand new nature resource — Almanac!
More than just a calendar, this book is packed with ways to connect with nature, organised by month.
It will also soon be available to order from the Highland Health Improvement Resource Service (HIRS).
News
Think Nature Health Walks Spring Newsletter
Download the Think Nature Health Walks spring newsletter and discover walking groups near you, tips for engaging with nature and more!
Paths for All’s Step Count Challenge
Take part in Paths for All’s eight-week spring step count challenge!
The challenge begins on Monday, May, 31 and invites teams of five to find new, fun and exciting ways to be physically active during the working day.
Teams will be able to log daily steps, set weekly targets and take part in weekly challenges to stay motivated and moving. Paths for All will also be hosting weekly draws with the chance to win some great prizes!
Increasing physical activity and reducing desk time can bring incredible benefits to your team. Additionally, spending time outdoors can help to clear your head and boost your mood, help you feel more productive and focussed, reduce staff sick days and boost team morale.
The challenge is a great opportunity to get together and stay connected, while having some fun along the way!
If you’re interested in taking part in the challenge, you can find out more at the link below.
Green Health Week’s Coming Up!
Green Health Week celebrates and promotes the role of connecting people and nature and the positive impacts on physical, mental and social health and wellbeing.
If you’d like to put on a special event or promote your weekly activity as part of Green Health Week, please fill out the Google form below and we’ll promote it through our network.
Please also use the hashtag #GreenHealthWeek to connect on socials!
Posters and promotional materials will be available from the Highland Health Improvement Resource Service (HIRS) in the coming weeks.
Caithness Nature Prescription
Do you work with people in Caithness? Would you like to encourage them to connect more with nature for their health?
We're working with RSPB to produce a Caithness nature prescription and are looking for nature prescribers!
Get in touch to find out more by emailing [email protected].
Resources
Velocity Active Travel Hub
Choosing to walk, wheel or cycle is a great way to improve physical health, save money and support the environment!
Find information, advice and an active travel map for Inverness at the link below.
Care Inspectorate: Moving More Often
Make Space for Nature
Are you ready to connect with nature this spring?
Find 10 ways you can make space for nature in your life from NatureScot!
Volunteering Opportunities
Gardening Volunteers Needed!
The Friends of Town and Country Hospital Garden are looking for volunteers to help maintain the garden at the Town and County Hospital in Wick.
The team holds twice weekly gardening sessions on a Monday and Thursday morning from 9-11.30am, mid-March into October (weather permitting).
The large garden is divided into 18 different themed areas and volunteers can have their own garden area to look after if they wish. Once familiar with the garden, they can come at any time.Even if you don’t have a lot of gardening knowledge, the team will welcome you and be there for guidance and support. There are also other tasks to get involved in, including washing garden furniture and painting, for those not so green-fingered!If you’re interested in joining the small team of volunteers or are able to help in anyway, please get in touch with Helen, the charity’s chairperson, on 01955 603839.The Friends of Town and Country Hospital Garden is a registered charity and wasformed in 2016 to design and create a new garden for the benefit of the patients in the hospital.
Help People Access Dornoch Beach
Networking
Are you involved with green health in Badenoch & Strathspey? Would you like to be part of the Badenoch & Strathspey Green Health Network?
This network organises in-person and online meet ups and training sessions.
Please email [email protected] if you'd like to be added to the mailing list.
The next in-person meet up is on Tuesday, May 23.
Job Opportunity
Research
It’s time to share your Highland weather and climate stories!
Highland Adapts is developing a regional Climate Risk and Opportunity Assessment to help the Highlands prepare for future climate change. Our climate is changing regionally and globally, and your stories of weather and climate in the region will help to better understand future opportunities and risks.
Have your say at the link below.
That’s all for this month! Thanks for reading. We hope you enjoy checking out all of the resources and events provided and will be back with a new update next month.
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