New sessions, funded by Sport England through the National Lottery, will include a series of nature based guided walks and green practical action, aiming to appeal to people who want to get active, out in nature and meet new people but may fear joining more traditional sports clubs and fitness classes.
Nature sessions will get people out and moving
A new programme of sessions aimed at ‘getting active in nature’ aims to change people’s preconceptions of physical activity in Wyre.
Wildflower walk; Luggiebank Wood; evening; sunny; 07.07.2011 - Katrina Martin / 2020VISION
The health benefits to being outside in nature have been documented for hundreds of years, and the new project will combine Wyre’s coastline with the rural countryside to inspire people to become more active. Promoting a connection with nature will encourage more people to use these local blue and green spaces in their own time, transitioning into a more active lifestyle and providing the first steps in making them fitter, happier and healthier.
Mike McDonnell, Nature and Wellbeing Project Officer for The Bay said “We are extremely excited to receive this funding. Following our recent recognition in the Active Lancashire Awards, we are extremely passionate about continuing to aspire towards both Action ‘in’ and ‘for’ Nature. This project will help both participants’ own physical and mental health, but also nature’s recovery.”
The focus of the project is to help people understand the importance of moving more and how this has a multitude of benefits for health and wellbeing. Nature provides a calm and non-judgemental environment for people to explore exercise away from busy gyms while also providing a connection to the wildlife around them. Self-resilience and confidence will grow because of increased fitness, while a sense of pride will develop in relation to the stunning Wyre landscape on their doorstep.
