Under The Trees: Connecting Communities with Nature
Under The Trees, a group connecting communities and nature, received £,5000 from the Todhill Wind Farm Community Fund (Larbert, Stenhousemuir and Torwood) to create workshops for all ages.
Under The Trees has been bringing the benefits of outdoor learning to children, adults, families and communities across Central Scotland since 2011.
They identify barriers preventing local communities from accessing the outdoors and create ways to overcome them so that they can enjoy, discover, and explore the natural world. The group specialises in providing activities that connect local communities with natural environments, covering topics ranging from environmental awareness to simple enjoyment of the outdoors.
On Your Doorstep Wild Workshops
In 2023, Under the Trees received £5,000 of funding from the Todhill Wind Farm Community Fund for Larbert, Stenhousemuir and Torwood, to deliver a programme of 'On Your Doorstep Wild Workshops'. The workshops were designed to engage locals with nearby greenspaces and provide new outdoor educational opportunities in an area where such provisions have been limited.
Over the course of a year, the group delivered ten workshops. Six sessions were open to all ages, covering topics such as birds, fungi, nocturnal wildlife, pollinators, and mammals.
Four additional workshops were made available specifically for residents over 50, focusing on wellbeing activities including nature walks, whittling, nature photography, and bushcraft.
Engaging the Community
With residents often having to travel to Falkirk or further afield to participate in similar outdoor sessions, Under the Trees sought to offer more local opportunities to connect with the natural environment. The group were particularly keen to encourage residents to learn more about native habitats in nearby areas.
A participant said:
"More of this is needed in the area for families and individuals, we have nothing similar nearby"
Despite occasional weather-related challenges, the workshops proved popular, reaching 127 residents at the all-ages sessions, and 25 regular attendees through the over-50s programme. The sessions were held in Larbert Community Hospital grounds, which ensured the workshops were easily accessible for all.
Feedback from participants highlighted both the environmental and social benefits of the programme.
One attendee commented:
"My husband and I have never been to these woods, despite living in the area. The wildlife and splendour of the site is amazing. It has encouraged us to come back more."
Another participant noted:
"I have now gone and bought my own book and wood knife to continue whittling, I am hooked."
Building Connections and Wellbeing
The impact of the workshops extended beyond the educational aspects, helping to reduce social isolation and loneliness, particularly among older participants.
One participant shared:
"The session gave me the boost and reason to get out of bed today, if I didn't come, I'd be still there."
Another participant, who was new to the area, said that the workshops provided them with a sense of achievement, in a relaxed atmosphere with opportunities to chat.
This social aspect was an important part of the group, as it helped them to connect with other attendees, make plans to continue meeting others and become more connected in the community.
Lessons and Future Development
Under the Trees identified several valuable insights from the programme.
The workshops were successful in addressing the lack of local outdoor learning opportunities and participation numbers and feedback were positive.
Weather conditions significantly impacted attendance, with some workshops requiring rescheduling. The group noted the importance of offering waterproof clothing to encourage participation, even in poorer weather conditions.
Varying the timing of sessions across weekdays and weekends emerged as another consideration for improving accessibility, along with exploring transportation options for those with mobility challenges.
The programme particularly highlighted the benefit of regular meet-up sessions for older participants, who valued the environmental engagement and social interaction. Under the Trees plans to incorporate these social aspects more into future programmes, recognizing the dual benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing.
Conclusion
The ‘On Your Doorstep Wild Workshops' have brought new environmentally focused activities to the local area, where there had previously been a lack of this kind of activity.
Under The Trees has made a significant impact in the local community with these workshops, bridging the gap between the natural environment and the residents, highlighting the impact that community-focused outdoor learning opportunities can have on individual and community wellbeing, while enhancing participants' awareness and enjoyment of their natural environments. Their main impacts on the local community have included:
- Better awareness of local greenspaces
- Better awareness of local wildlife
- A reduction in isolation/loneliness
- Growth in up-skilling/learning new skills
The success of the ‘On Your Doorstep Wild Workshops’ leads the way for future endeavours, meaning that local residents can continue to reap the rewards of connecting with nature, and each other, for years to come.
