Many people know from experience what science is now confirming, that spending time in nature is good for our health and makes us feel better. In this area of Sussex, we are lucky to have nature relatively close by, however there are many people who experience barriers, to being able to enjoy it. The Lost Woods project, funded by the National Lottery, have been running Woods on Prescription sessions to help people improve their mental and physical health and feel part of a community to enjoy nature with. The feedback about the benefits has been really good, “I’ve had the most beautiful time”, “It’s got me out of the house and back into the world again”, and “It’s made me proud of our local area”.
In Scaynes Hill and Lindfield we are particularly lucky to live near the beautiful ancient woodland of Costells Wood, which is owned by the Woodland Trust and free for the public to enjoy. Ancient woods are woodlands which have been continuously wooded areas since at least 1600. Because they have been relatively undisturbed, particularly the soil, they have developed complex habitats to support a wide range of wildlife. They also offer us a wide variety of colours, smells, sounds and textures which have been proven to reduce our stress, improve our mood and boost our immune system.
Scaynes Hill Sustainability Group, St Augustine’s Church and the Lost Woods project are working together to pilot a new way for people to enjoy Costells Wood – Woodland Wanders. These FREE guided monthly small group sessions will enable people to feel welcome and safe to explore the wood whether they’ve been many times before or are visiting for the first time. They’ll help people connect with others, themselves and nature whilst getting the gentle exercise of wandering in the woods. We’ll meet at the gate to the woods on the Common at 9.45am and then at 11:30am gather at St Augustine’s Church Annexe for refreshments for those who would like to. Our first sessions are on the 21st of April, 19th May and 16th June.
Booking for each session is essential and you can book at https://ruralsussex.aidecrm.co.uk/surveys/respond/gTxPO1OSh4aLwkDrS6wPFbRMmX7rtBS0uVD8hYc9
If you’d like more information then please contact lostwoodsteam@ruralsussex.org.uk
Karen Laver
Community Development Manager – Lost Woods
(Action in Rural Sussex)