A new four-day nature festival has been announced for Skelmorlie which will promote the great outdoors and the health benefits it has for us all.
Skelmorlie Nature Festival is being organised by a sub-group by Skelmorlie Environment Trust.
The volunteers are giving their time, skills and energy for free in the hope of bringing benefit to the village community.
The festival is running from Thursday, August 29 until Sunday, September 1.
Grants funding has been secured from the National Lottery, Nature Scot, and Outdoor Partnership Ayrshire.
Skelmorlie Primary School will have a full day of nature based activities to participate in on Friday, August 30.
Naomi Spirit-Hawthorne, one of the volunteers behind the project, said: "I’m a founding member of Skelmorlie Environment Trust and have a strong drive to protect nature and I believe that starts with us.
"Improving our mental health gives us more capacity to take on a caring role in our environment.
"Understanding the intricate balance between humans and nature provides the drive to support and improve the natural world.
"I hope people feel a stronger connection to nature after this festival, a greater understanding of how it relates to them and motivation to look after it."
Fellow volunteer Derek Hawthorne is equally enthusiastic about the potential benefits that the nature festival can bring.
He said: "Hopefully, by running an event like this people will be inspired to try new things, connect more frequently with nature, and get all benefits that can come. I’m thrilled the event is happening. I really hope we can make it a success."
Events will be bookable on the day, and you can register in person at the Festival Hub in the Community Centre.
The festival schedule is as follows:
Thursday August 29 from 4pm till 8.30pm
Tai Chi – 9Waves Tai Chi; Zumba – with Ursula; Energising & Restorative Breathwork – with Joe Prince; Storytelling – Wee Storybox; Tennis Coaching – Skelmorlie Tennis Club; and Guided Walk & Dip – Gillian’s Walks.
Friday August 30 from 3pm till 9pm
Batwalk & Stargazing – Field Studies Council; Kundalini Yoga – All Hands On Earth; Silent Disco – North Ayrshire Council; Forage Walk – Wander And Wonder; Table Tennis – Largs Tennis Club; Climbing Wall – Above Adventure.
Saturday August 31 from 9am till 9pm
Forest & Bushcraft Activities – Bute Forest; ; Mindfulness & Meditation – Yes Your Entire Self; Yoga & Food Nutrition – Kelly Ludwig; Forest Activities – 71st Ayrshire Scouts; Exploring Beach Life – Field Studies Counci; Tree Climbing – Treetop Rock; Tai Chi – 9Waves Tai Ch; Bee Bomb Making & Nature Art – North Ayrshire Council; Art Workshop – Lisa Cunningham Artist; Storytelling, Dance & Song – Wee Storybox; Forage Walk – Wander & Wonder; Yoga – Breathe & Believe Yoga; Wild Swimming & Sauna Tent – Happy & Wild; Decoupage – Thru Decades; Terrarium Making – Thru Decades
The following drop-in activities will also be taking place on Saturday: Face painting, Drumming & Percussion Workshops – Drum 4UR Life, Circus Skills, Herbal Tea & Bath Salts Making – Movement in Thyme, Axe Throwing – Little Acorns, Flower Crown Making – Little Acorns, Steiner School Activities – Little Acorns.
Sunday September 1
Volunteer Day – Scottish Wildlife Trust Volunteers, Supporting Skelmorlie Environment Trust
For more details about the festival, go to their website at www.skelmorlienaturefestival.co.uk.
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