Ecotherapy at St Nicks
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Ecotherapy is the name given to a wide range of programmes that aim to promote good mental and physical wellbeing through outdoor activity in a natural environment. At St Nicks, ecotherapy is offered through various group activities and is underpinned by one to one mentor support. We currently offer activities every day of the work week, which are listed below and are all FREE.
Interested? Want to know more?
Please see this page for more details on how Ecotherapy works at St Nicks, download the latest newsletter (summer 2017) and/or contact Kathy Sturgess on 01904 411821 or email ecotherapy@stnicks.org.uk
MONDAYS
- Bearing Fruit – Mondays 1pm-3pm at St Nicks
Be part of the development of a community orchard at St Nicks Nature Reserve. Help us look after our established fruit trees, soft fruit sites and newly planted Yorkshire heritage apple trees. Learn conservation skills such as scything, pruning and creating wildlife habitats. This group is a follow-up for a 2010-2012 project of the same name. - Green Exercise: Cycling – Mondays 10-12noon from St Nicks
Led by a qualified instructor, set off from the Environment Centre and explore the various cycle paths in and around York. Bring your own bicycle and helmet, or borrow them from us free of charge! This activity is suitable for all who are interested in cycling, from regular cyclists to those who haven’t ridden a bike for some time. The Green Exercise programme has been made possible through partnership with York Mind and funding from City of York Council.
TUESDAYS
- Discover Nature – Tuesdays 10am-12pm at St Nicks
Join a safe and nurturing environment in which you can learn more about the natural world. Sessions are seasonally themed and each one provides the opportunity to participate in wildlife-based activities, including nature walks, animal surveys, and art work creation. - Green Exercise: Nordic Walking – Tuesdays 1-3pm from St Nicks
Led by a qualified instructor, set off from the Environment Centre and explore both the reserve and Hull Road Park. Instruction will given and Nordic Walking poles are provided. Nordic Walking is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The Green Exercise programme has been made possible through partnership with York Mind and funding from City of York Council.
Tai chi at Dragon Stones
WEDNESDAYS
- Connect to Nature with Creative Writing – Wednesdays 10am-12pm at St Nicks
The Creative Writing course is run in partnership with York St John University, Converge and the Discovery Hub and take place at St Nicks. Creative writing is used to explore themes in nature and to make new discoveries through observation of the reserve and the changing seasons. Each course starts with a short walk around the reserve followed by an introduction of a theme for the mornings writing. The courses are an exciting way to develop writing styles and skills whilst gaining the benefits of interacting in a green space. Participants are encouraged to keep their own nature journals as part of the course. - Green Exercise: Mindful Movement – Wednesdays 1-3pm at St Nicks’ Dragon Stones
Led by a qualified instructor; in very wet weather we will meet at Tang Hall Community Centre. Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather conditions on the day. Tai chi promotes general health benefits for mind and body through movement. The Green Exercise programme has been made possible through partnership with York Mind and funding from City of York Council.
THURSDAYS
- Get Gardening – Thursdays 1-3pm at St Nicks
The Gardening group is run in partnership with York St John University, Converge and the Discovery Hub. Learn how to garden creatively in different settings using a variety of means including the use of a polytunnel, container planting and making the most of smaller spaces. Growing activities will include introducing natural pest control, feeding, plant care, seed collecting and innovative irrigation and will all take place within the gardening space at St Nicks Environment Centre. - Media and Photography – starting in September 2017 on Thursdays
The film group explores stories and feelings inspired by nature through images, sounds, colours, and music. Cameras will be used to observe nature and capture significant images and sounds which will be combined in a short film using creative storytelling. No experience of filming or photography is required and everyone is welcome to join this group. We will focus on exploring ideas, film poetry, and filming of nature, so there will be no need to appear on camera unless you want to.
FRIDAYS
- Plot to Plate – Fridays 2-4pm at the Holgate Allotment Site
Help to manage our allotment and learn the principles of organic gardening and the benefits of eating seasonally. The site has raised beds, fruit trees, a variety of vegetables and a wildflower area. Programme runs at the Holgate Allotment Site and takes place all year around.
The project is funded by the Big Lottery Fund, with additional funding from Purey Cust Trust CIO and Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Your Consortium. The Green Exercise programme is funded by City of York Council.
