Down to Earth

Part of our residency workshops at Wyken Croft Nature Park across the autumn and winter of 2021, we ran these creative ecotherapy sessions in the woods for adults who would like to develop strategies to support their mental wellbeing.

WhenWednesdays 10am – 12pm in October, November and December 2021 (until 15th December)
WhereWyken Croft Nature Park, meet at main gate on Wyken Croft, Coventry CV2 3AE (opposite Blackberry Lane)
WithKerry and Angela from The Starfish Collaborative
WhatCreative ecotherapy sessions in the woods for adults who would like to develop strategies to support their mental wellbeing.

Access – The sessions were free, specifically designed to be accessible and welcoming, providing physical and mental space for every group member to take things at their own pace and attend the sessions on their own terms.

SupportWe wanted to make sure participants felt safe, comfortable and cared for when they came to the sessions. In order for us to achieve this care all participants were contacted by the project Key Contact staff member to create a Support Needs Plan identifying health conditions/disabilities/access needs and exploring what support each participant needed from us to they could feel safe and their needs were understood and met.

Activity – Workshop sessions were an opportunity for participants to explore a variety of creative approaches whilst also discovering how their physical and mental health can be enhanced through connecting with nature, creativity and other people in their community.

Timetable

Wednesday 6th OctoberTaster Session – come along and visit the Nature Park, have a drink and a biscuit and find out more about Down To Earth
Wednesday 13th October  Harvesting what we have
Wednesday 20th October  Foraging – How we are being nourished
Wednesday 3rd  November  Planting ideas for the future
Wednesday 10th November  Natural soundscapes and being heard
Wednesday 17th November  Bend little willow – exploring resilience
Wednesday 24th November  Changing and growing
Wednesday 1st  December  Fallow time and rest
Wednesday 8th  December  Gratitude and transitions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long will each session be? Sessions last 2 hours.

How many people will be in a session with me? We are keeping the groups small with a maximum of 10 people per session.

What if the weather is wet? We have event shelters at the ready if the weather is wet so don’t let that stop you coming!

Are there any toilets? Unfortunately there is no toilet at the Nature Park.

What do I need to do to prepare? Just bring yourself, wear shoes that keep your feet dry, warm clothes including a coat. We will provide all of the resources and equipment you need for the sessions

Is there somewhere I will be able to sit? We have chairs at the sessions and hammocks if you want to relax!

I have a disability/health condition/access needs which may prevent me from attending, is additional access support available? Yes, we want to make sure you feel safe, comfortable and cared for when you come to the sessions. In order for us to achieve this care we need to know about your needs so we actively encourage you to let us know any health conditions/disabilities/access needs you have so we can talk with you about how we can best support those needs so you feel confident to come along.

How will I get there? There is local parking if you are driving, and also a bus route. We can help you with planning your journey.

Can you pay for my travel? Unfortunately we can’t cover any travel costs.

Where do we meet? We will meet at the main gate on Wyken Croft (opposite Blackberry Lane)

I may feel nervous and like someone I know to come with me is that ok? Yes if you would like someone you know to come with you to support you then they are welcome to come, please let us know in advance if you are bringing someone with you.

Can I bring my children or my dog? Unfortunately, we can’t have any children or pets at the sessions for health & safety reasons. If you require the support of a trained assistance animal – please let us know. 

Will I need to bring food? The session time is 10 – 12 and there will be free hot and cold drinks, biscuits and fruit if you do get hungry, but if you need to eat other food during this time please bring it with you.