Home is where the chalk is: feeling at home in our landscape
Growing New Roots is an 8-week nature connection group, designed to improve mental wellbeing. Our second group has finished and we are delighted to say it’s been a huge success. Activities included guided walks, ‘micro adventures’ with miniature magnifying glasses, wild art, natural fire making, poetry, meditation and mindfulness, chalk carving, chalk drawing and clay printing.
“The group was well facilitated and felt safe. We could do as much or as little as we felt on the day, depending on our ability and energy levels.”
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, and showed a significant increase in skills and knowledge learned, and participant’s wellbeing
“The group exceeded my expectations, it was so much more than what I expected and hoped for.”
“Thank you for showing me the way on the chalk paths and reminding me of who I am.”
Other activities included:
• Visiting local Nature Reserves
• Visiting National Trust Saddlescombe Farm to have a go at shepherding and learning the importance of sheep grazing on the Downs
• A private guided tour with a National Trust archaeologist where we discovered abandoned villages near Truleigh Hill and the heritage of the Downs
• Conservation scrub bashing
“I have felt connected and good about myself in relation to others for the first time in a very long time.”
All participants said that since coming on this group, they are more likely to go out into nature or feel more confident in exploring the Downs.
“I have learnt a great deal about the South Downs and how much we need to protect them really fell in love with our local landscape.”
“Words cannot express my gratitude to be part of this amazing and wonderful group. You have opened my eyes and heart to the beauty around me. For the first time in my life, I feel like I can call this country my home.”
We recently learned a new word, which for many on the course summarised their experience: Topophilia, which means ‘A strong sense of love and connection to a physical place’, coming from the Greek ‘topos’ (place) and ‘philia’ (love of). This group has offered the opportunity to connect with the amazing chalk grassland habitats that characterise our local landscape, the South Downs, in the process creating a sense of home and belonging on the Downs.
For some, this group rekindled a love of exploration and walking, whilst for others it helped with noticing the simple beauty in the hedgerows and fields during a simple every-day activity like walking the dog.
“I’ve taken to collecting natural materials when I’m out and about on my walks – I’m loving having these reminders in my own home of my local natural environment.”
“This group has genuinely been the highlight of my life.”
See our events pages to find out when our next group is running.
