Feel Good Thursdays by Links with Nature: 19th March – 9th April

Join us for 4 weeks of beginner-friendly nature based activities for adults at Hetton Lyons Country Park. These sessions are aimed at those in the Coalfield area of Sunderland.

Please keep in mind when booking a ticket on our programme as your ticket is for all 4 sessions. 1 ticket per person. We ask you attend all 4 sessions in full to gain the most from our Feel Good Thursdays Wellbeing Programme. Booking is required to secure your place on the programme: https://linktr.ee/linkswithnature. Booking allows us to prepare equipment accordingly for each session and safely manage group numbers. If you have booked and become unable to attend a session or the programme, please let us know. We can offer remaining spaces to others who wish to book.

For each session we will meet outside Springboard Adventure at Hetton Lyons Country Park. What3Words: ///sailors.enjoy.hologram

There are facilities available including toilets and The Lakes Cafe (9am-3pm).

All sessions take place outdoors on the park, under cover of gazebos on site or indoors in the classroom should we have adverse weather. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear for all sessions. Dress according to weather forecasts. Let us know if you require any clothing or footwear, limited sizes of wellies, warm layers, and waterproofs available to loan.

Should there be adverse weather or a weather warning is issued you will be contacted in the event a session needs to be cancelled. If booked on Eventbrite this will be an automated email.

Tickets will remain available to book throughout programme.

We welcome any adult (18+ years) to attend, whether you refer yourself, have been referred by a Social Prescriber or a Community Provider. Should you require any support to attend or would like further information please contact Pip before booking (Eg adjustments for sessions: seated Qigong or Yoga option or to ensure tickets are available for a support worker or friend to book and attend with you).Contact Links with Nature, Pip: pjackson@durhamwt.co.uk or Call Durham Wildlife Trust 0191 584 3112 and ask for Pip.

Feel Good Thursdays 4 Week Wellbeing Programme Timetable

Week 1 – Thursday 19th March – 10am-12pm – Tap Into Mindfulness

Join us for a gentle walk around Herrington Country Park, take in the senses and re-connect with nature. We will be joined by Liz from The Little Company of Calm to practice mindfulness, set our intentions for the programme and try Qigong – an exercise with gentle flowing movements with breathing and meditation.

Week 2 – Thursday 26th March – 10am-12pm –Wildlife Wander

We will wander through habitats during this gentle guided walk. Learn ID skills, let your senses flow and reflect on wildlife present by sketching sightings and sounds of nature. Binoculars are available to use. We will take some small clippings to use for our spring wreaths the following week.

Week 3 – Thursday 2nd April–10am-12pm – Willow woven nature-based crafts

Take time for a creative outlet, make your own Willow Wreaths using foraged natural resources from our Links with Nature greenspaces.

Week 4 – Thursday 9th April – 10am-12pm – Wild Yoga for all

We will be joined by Wild Yoga instructor Roy Moor for a session suitable for all, taking place within the park. Relax your mind and body, tune into bird song and nature around. Mats will be provided. Seats are available upon request.

Find out more about Links with Nature: https://linktr.ee/linkswithnature

Links with Nature is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players.