Rainbow Mind - Mindful Walk + Queer Ecology x Connor the Ecologist - London

Spend some time in nature and community with Rainbow Mind and special guest Connor the Ecologist! Join our next Mindful walk and learn about Queer Ecology while practicing bringing your awareness to the present moment.

Our Mindful walks offer a safe, welcoming LGBTQIA+ space for you to connect with others, engage all of your senses and learn about mindfulness. It's a great opportunity for us to take a moment away from the stresses of day to day life, be in nature, and practice being mindful and aware in support of our mental and physical wellbeing.

This month's walk will be co-hosted by Connor the Ecologist and focused on Queer Ecology. Read on to find out more!

Did you know that scientists often struggle to find male woodlice, that male trees can turn female, or that many of London’s birds partner up into same-sex couples?

‘Queer Ecology’ aims to challenge what we think of as being ‘natural’ or ‘unnatural’ and celebrates diversity in all life. Join ecologist Connor Butler on a guided nature walk to explore the diverse and unusual lifecycles found in the 'unnatural' plants and animals right outside your doorstep. You’ll learn how to use a hand lens to identify common species of plants and invertebrates and gain a new fascination with the natural world.

This gentle tour around the park invites all curious minds interested in meeting others, learning identification skills, and seeing nature from a new perspective.

Connor the Ecologist is an entomologist and educator on a mission to make people notice and appreciate the smaller details in nature. His current work focuses on Queer Ecology, challenging traditional ideas about what is considered “natural” or “unnatural”. He has had over 2,000 people join his Queer Ecology tours to date, celebrating nature in all its diversity. Instagram @Connor_the_ecologist

Key information:

📍 We will meet at the Bonner Gate entrance to Victoria Park, Hackney E9 at 6pm (just inside the gates on the bridge overlooking the canal).

🕰️ We plan to be together from 6-7:30pm, but we will take into consideration the weather and the size of the group, so please be aware that the walk may finish early.

👋 We will finish the walk at the same place we started – the Bonner Gate entrance.

🌱 During the walk, you'll be introduced to mindfulness and invited to join Kieran and Frankie from Rainbow Mind in a mindfulness exercise, focused on tuning into our present experience.

🪲 The rest of the walk will be led by Connor, who will guide us through nature and teach us how to use a hand lens to identify common species of plants and invertebrates - a great way to engage our senses and tune into the present!

👣 Our walking route will be easy and non-strenuous: it is ideal for seasoned hikers and gentle strollers alike. Please let us know if there might be any support you need or if you have any advice from your GP about not participating in gentle walking/movement.

☕️ We will either pass by or end the session at a cafe so there will be a chance to buy yourself a drink or snack, if you'd like, and to access public restrooms. We may also choose to take a break together and sit for a while and chat.

💧 Please remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring anything you might need for the walk, such as a bottle of water!

This session is not a mental health crises support service. If you need more immediate crisis support, please see below for further information.

LGBT Switchboard: 0800 0119 100

LGBT Foundation (advice , support and information) 0345 3 30 30 330

Galop National LGBTQ+ National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428

Galop London LGBTQ+ Helpline: 020 7697 4081 (Hate Crime & Sexual Violence)

Mindline Trans+: 0300 330 5468

The Samaritans: 116 123 or 0800 073006 (24/7)

More about Move with Pride

Move with Pride is a series of movement and wellbeing sessions in East London from Rainbow Mind. These FREE sessions are designed to help you improve your physical and mental health, and are specifically created for and led by LGBTQIA+ folks.

Activities range from Mindful Walks and Open Water Swimming, to Yoga and Dance, Guided runs and more. Follow our Instagram @rainbowminduk to find out when and where the next session will be, or sign up to receive emails from us!