Walking for Wellbeing at Thames Valley Park

Who is running these walks?

Nature Nurture and Walk Works have joined forces to bring you a series of gentle lunchtime walks that will immerse you in the nature on your doorstep.

What to expect

Each week we will explore the area around the business park, including the river Thames and the Thames Valley nature reserve, which boasts 80 acres of wetland habitat. During the walks, we'll pause now and again for some nature inspired activities such as mindful photography or nature inspired art. You can join in with whatever you want to.

Dates:

• Thursday 20th April wk1
• Thursday 27th April wk2
• Thursday 4th May wk3
• Thursday 11th May wk4
• Thursday 18th May wk5
• Thursday 25th May wk6

Weekly programme:

• Week 1 - Join Kat from Nature Nurture and she will inspire you to create your own charcoal /pastel drawing. Stop along the walk to connect with nature and embrace your artistic side or perhaps even learn some new skills. Caroline and Liz will be on hand to lead the walk.
• Week 2 - Forage as you walk and chose items you can use to make your very own miniature jam jar posy to take back to your desk. The very talented Kathryn will guide you through this activity, accompanied by Liz and Caroline.
• Week 3 - Caroline and Liz will be joined by Tina, who will be running a mindful photography session- bring your smartphone and join in along the way. Be present. Shoot what you love. See. No judging.
• Week 4 - Natalie and Kat from Nature Nurture will help you eliminate any built up stress with some Shinrin yoku - relax in nature - reconnect with nature - what better way to spend your lunchtime?
• Week 5 - Work as a group to create some nature inspired land art using natural materials, with expert guidance from Kathryn and guided along the way by Liz and Caroline.
• Week 6 - Tina will show you how to capture nature with your phone, focusing on using interesting compositions using the sky as a back drop, framing portraits with nature , making the most of natural light and seeing beauty everywhere. Caroline and Liz will accompany.

Time: 12.30 - 1.30pm.

Please arrive and register from 12.20.

Meeting Point:

Meet at the Thames Valley Park Security Hut

You can find a map here: https://goo.gl/maps/k4qBo8pHVEFycZaM7

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What to wear:

Wear layers of clothes, so if you start off cold and then get hot, you can take a layer off. You can wear trainers or any comfy shoes.

Welcoming those living with disabilities: Our friendly team are here to support you. Some walks are on rough terrain. Please get in touch.

Cancellation: In the unlikely event of us having to cancel, we shall contact you by email or telephone. Walks will go ahead even if it's raining (we love the rain :-) but we will cancel in the case of strong wind.

Toilets: There are no toilets along the way so please make sure you have gone before the walk.

Dogs: Guide dogs only please.

These walks are free thanks to funding from the Social Enterprise Support Fund.

Nature Nurture are proud members of Reading Green Wellbeing Network; an array of organisations in Reading, all working to support our wellbeing through spending time in nature.

Check out WalkWorks programmes in Reading along with routes around South Oxfordshire, Thames Valley and The Chilterns.

For further information contact:

Natalie Ganpatsingh - Email: natalie@nature-nurture.co.uk

To find out more about the evidence around nature and the health & wellbeing benefits, check out our friends at 'A Dose of Nature'.