Project celebrates 100 sessions bringing people closer to nature in Glasgow
Giving Nature a Home is working with schools and community groups to overcome barriers to experiencing nature
The Urban Nature Connections project, part of RSPB Glasgow Giving Nature a Home, has marked a huge milestone, delivering 100 sessions with schools and community groups across the city. The 100th session was celebrated with the family support service 3D Drumchapel with a visit to RSPB Scotland’s Loch Lomond nature reserve.
The project, made possible thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, works across Glasgow to deliver activities engaging community groups with Scotland’s nature, many of whom face significant barriers to accessing the outdoors.
Nia Huw, Access to Nature Officer, RSPB Scotland said:
“It’s so exciting to be celebrating 100 sessions with the incredible community groups that we work with. Many of the people these groups support experience significant barriers to accessing and enjoying nature. Delivering these activities is giving more people across Glasgow the opportunity to discover the wildlife around them and celebrate it.
“It’s so rewarding to see how this project can support people’s wellbeing, strengthen community connections and inspire people to protect their local nature.”
The project has worked with various community groups, programmes and schools across the 100 sessions so far including 3D Drumchapel, Woodlands Community Gardens, Govan Community Project and Kelvin College.
Leanne, a member of the 3D Drumchapel group said:
“We have absolutely loved our woods sessions. We have been excited at attending; it’s been the highlight of our week. The children have gained new skills, and their confidence has risen massively.”
Urban Nature Connections has now been supporting groups as part of the project for over a year. As well as working to break down barriers to spending time in nature, the team work to deliver programmes which can increase confidence, develop skills and give back to nature by giving local wildlife a helping hand. Activities can include wildlife gardening, species identification, volunteering, visiting nature reserves and more.
Recently, Kelvin College students working with the project to develop their confidence and build new skills were also celebrating, as they marked the completion of their programme. The students who took part reflected on what they had discovered and achieved with the project.
Fabian, Kelvin College group member:
“The thing I learned about nature through my experience with the RSPB is how much it connects people together either through the desire to strengthen and preserve its aspect or by the notion of finding peace or fulfilment from working towards something.”
