TAMESIDE families and local residents came together at Werneth Low Country Park for a free community event celebrating nature, creativity and wellbeing.
Hyde based, Living Nature Wellness CIC hosted its Wild & Gather event on Sunday, September 27, bringing people together to mark World River Day and enjoy a range of activities in the outdoors.
The event began with a treasure hunt around the country park, which led participants to River, the resident scarecrow outside the visitor centre, where they heard his story.
Families and individuals who attended were then invited to collect natural materials from around the park, along with any litter they came across, before using their finds to create a community art installation in the shape of a river.
The event was the first Living Nature activity to bring families and adults together, creating an opportunity for people of different ages to enjoy the outdoors and get creative.
As well as celebrating nature, the day was also the beginning of a conversation between Living Nature and the local community about what nature-based wellbeing support should look like in Tameside and the surrounding area.
The organisation is asking local people what would make it easier for them to access nature and use it to support their health and wellbeing.
Feedback from the event and an ongoing community survey is helping Living Nature shape its future plans, including the times sessions are held and the possibility of an indoor base close to local green spaces.
Founder and director Josie Lynch said: “I want to show up for the community. There’s no point in me putting a bid in for what I think the community needs.
“What I do know is that there’s a correlation between nature and positive mental health, self-esteem, confidence and safety.
“If you’re not sure about coming, this is a space for everyone, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Nature isn’t just for nature people. It’s for everyone.”
Living Nature Wellness CIC provides nature-based wellbeing programmes, creative activities and community events at Werneth Low Country Park.
The next Wild & Gather event will take place at the end of January to celebrate Bird Watching Day on Sunday, January 31.
People across Tameside and Stockport can also share their views through Living Nature’s community survey.
For more information and to take part in the survey, visit livingnatureuk.org.