Nature - Good for the Mind, Body and Soul by Neil Stevens Centre Director of Livability, Holten Lee
There is no doubt that being out and about in nature is good for our wellbeing. There are an increasing number of scientific studies that demonstrate the positive benefits of engaging in activities that connect us to nature. And when you come back invigorated from a bracing walk, or feeling that good-kind of tired when washing the mud off your hands after an afternoon at the veg patch, we know it is true regardless of what the data says. The Livability site at Holton Lee has embraced these benefits wholeheartedly.
(Photo 1: Rabbit at Holton Lee by Paul Mitchells)
Set in 350 acres of tranquil Dorset countryside, Holton Lee is a glorious mix of heathland, reedbed, woodland and pasture nestled against the banks of the Wareham and Rock Lea rivers. Livability is a Christian disability and community engagement charity and delivers disability services, community projects, education and training resources that promote inclusion and wellbeing.
Taking on Holton Lee as a base for its work in the area, Livability saw that managing the natural habitat well would require some expert help. A partnership with the RSPB is ensuring that the land, much of it designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest owing to its diverse array of birds, reptiles, butterflies and plant-life, is appropriately cared for.
(Photo 2: Six-spot Burnet moth by Paul Mitchell)
This amazing space is now home, not only to wildlife, but to a range of activities and projects that improve wellbeing by bringing people and nature together: • A programme called Flourish enables participants to take part in horticulture, forest-skills, conservation, woodworking, garden maintenance and catering. Flourish is all about supporting people to overcome life barriers while having fun, learning new skills, building confidence and meeting new friends.
• An extensive schedule of activities, open to all, such as mindful photography, guided nature walks, retreat days and natural-crafting sessions.
• Bird-hides and viewing platforms from which to take some time to de-stress and observe the birds or deer and let the world go by.
• Off-road scooters, a stretched golf-buggy with wheelchair capacity and a partnership with a horse-drawn carriage driving school, all enable people with restricted mobility to access the environment.Into this vibrant setting, Livability is currently developing a specialist facility for people who have recently suffered a spinal cord injury. The centre will provide a planned transition between an individual’s hospital treatment and their return to home. As well as physiotherapy, counselling and self-care training, the residents will be able to develop their wheelchair skills in the natural environment and engage with any of the other site activities.
Livability Holton Lee is a beautiful example of how nature and people can thrive together when there is an intentional desire to see it happen.
(Photo 3: Holten Lee group working on raised bed)
To find out more about Livability at Holten Lee, visit:www.holtonlee.org/facebook.com/livability.holtonlee/@LHoltonLee