At Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, we believe that nature plays a vital role in supporting mental wellbeing. This walk was designed not only to offer participants a restorative experience but also to share simple mindfulness activities that can be taken back into community spaces - from allotments to wildflower verges, parks to our own back gardens. 

Why Community? 

Connection is at the heart of good mental health. In a world that often moves too fast, carving out space to be with others, especially outdoors, is more important than ever. This event brought together individuals and grassroots groups who are already helping nature thrive in their neighbourhoods. By equipping them with accessible tools to support wellbeing through nature, we hope to help them do the same for their communities. 

What We Did – and How You Can Try It at Home 

Our River Ramble was led by trained Wellbeing Walk Leaders and included a series of optional activities designed to ground, calm and connect: 

Breathing & Senses We started in the Willow Holt in Farndon Nature Reserve with a grounding exercise to slow our minds and focus on the breath. Participants then brought their awareness to what they could feel, see, hear and smell — an easy way to be present and reset the nervous system. 

Mindful Walking & Rainbow Cards Walking slowly and with intention, we invited people to notice colours in nature using rainbow-themed observation prompts. This practice can reduce stress, improve focus, and be adapted for any green space, including urban settings. 

Qigong  

With the beauty of a rich and colourful wildflower meadow in the background, we explored putting breath and movement in sync, by performing this standing health and meditation practice from ancient China. It’s designed to boost energy, reduce stress and improve balance. We tried these five different postures which target different organs and offered gentle moving meditation. 

1. Archer posture for the lungs
2. Tiger posture for the heart
3. Cloud posture for the stomach
4. Crane posture for the liver
5. Dragon posture for the kidneys 

Nature Journalling  

With the River Trent trickling in the background, we led a short freewriting exercise using the prompt “Nature is important to me because...” before shaping thoughts into short poems or stories. This creative mindfulness technique can unlock reflection, storytelling and connection — no previous writing experience required. 

Industrial River Walk Reflection 

As we passed agricultural fields and the distant factory, we reflected on industry’s impact and nature’s resilience. Despite a seemingly hostile landscape, wildflowers bloomed and insects buzzed — a hopeful reminder that even the most overlooked spaces can hold life and potential. 

The Route and the Thriving in a Wilder Trent Project 

The route took us through Farndon Nature Reserve, Memorial Woods and alongside the River Trent — a beautiful, biodiverse corridor rich in birdsong and seasonal colour. This event formed part of our Thriving in a Wilder Trent project, which supports both people and wildlife along the river. 

From riverside meadows to old industrial margins, the Trent holds countless stories of recovery and resilience — much like the communities who live along its banks. Events like this help reconnect people with the landscape, while providing practical ways to support mental health and biodiversity at a grassroots level. 

Want to Get Involved? 

If you’re part of a community group or just want to bring more mindfulness and nature into your life, we’d love to hear from you. You can: 

Join our Wilder Nottinghamshire Network 

Learn more about the Thriving in a Wilder Trent Project 

Let’s continue to grow a network of connected, caring communities — one mindful step at a time.