OWEN HETHERSAY on a programme of environmentally friendly courses and walks taking place in some woods near you this month
Wild in the City is a group who aim to reconnect urban residents with nature, simultaneously they seek to build a community of people who “gather in nature for fun” and to “feel good”.
It’s all done through offering bushcraft activities in Croydon’s wilder green spaces. As they say, 47 per cent of the Greater London area is made up of parks and green spaces, and so Londoners should expect to spend half our time connecting with nature.
“We are passionate about helping people to reconnect with nature and to experience nature’s ability to support wellbeing,” they say. “We use bushcraft and nature awareness as ‘living’ skills.
“Many people in cities have lost contact with nature and what it can offer in terms of relaxation and recreation. Increasingly urban lifestyles are indoor orientated, isolating, lack activity and can lead to poor quality relationships. Low incomes can limit options for healthy entertainment and recreation.
Learn how to make cords and ropes in the wild woods of South Norwood
“Wild in the City work to show how nature can provide free activities which are fun and support health, raising self-esteem and giving a sense of meaning and purpose in life. Wild in the City inspire people with ideas and skills they can apply independently outside of the sessions.”
This summer, there’s a variety of workshops planned at their basecamp, at a secret-ish location deep in South Norwood, and guided walks.
There’s the cordage workshop (that’s making ropes from twigs and stuff) on June 16 (£65 fee for the day’s activities, materials and lunch), charcoal making and drawing, for artists who can discover how to make their own materials (Jun 17; also £65), and coil basketry, another long-last craft rediscovered (Jun 30; £65).
And there’s also the free of charge walks, with a bat walk at South Norwood Lake (Jun 14) and a woodland walk through Lloyd Park to Coombe Wood (Jun 28).
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