Wildlife is all around us, even in the city. From red kites circling above us to weeds growing through cracks in the pavement, it’s there if we take time to notice. As city-dwellers, it’s not always easy to carve out time for a swim in the ocean or hike a distant mountain range. But in any given moment, it’s possible to give ourselves little of that wild feeling by simply focusing on the plants, creatures and natural forces we share urban spaces with.

Connecting with nature can reduce stress, improve focus, support self-reflection and inspire creative thinking. It can also remind us of our responsibility to care for the world around us. Making the most of the long summer evening, we’ll spend at least half of our time in Woodhouse Square, just opposite Swarthmore.

You’ll be invited to try a range of mindfulness activities that connect you to the natural world, and reflect on your relationship to the places you inhabit day-to-day.

Then we’ll come back inside for a chance to respond to what you experienced, either creatively through writing or drawing or by simply discussing what you discovered. You’ll come away with a ‘toolbox’ of activities to try in daily life, and some suggestions for how to build a habit of nature connection to support your wellbeing and/or creative practice. This workshop is open to anyone, but may be especially relevant for those looking for a restorative practice to support creative or caring roles.

Please come dressed for the weather on the day. We won’t be deterred by a bit of rain or wind.

Pens, pencils and paper will be provided, but if you have a different medium you’d like to work in, please feel free to bring your tools along.

About your tutor

Ellie Julings is a community educator with close to 20 years’ experience of supporting people to overcome barriers, connect with others, and find their purpose while facing the challenges of day-to-day life.

Most recently, Ellie has worked alongside unpaid carers running trauma-informed workshops on mental health, creativity and employability. She has a degree in Graphic Media Communication, a PGCE in Lifelong Learning, and a master’s degree in Creative Writing but the most important qualification of all is her own experience of facing mental health challenges, and the ongoing project of remaining a creative, grounded human through good times and bad. She can be found online at https://ejulings.com/

Please note - this workshop is only suitable for adults 18+

If you have any access, mobility or other health issues which you think could impact your experience of the workshop, do to let us know in advance and we will aim to make reasonable adjustments where possible, to ensure you have a positive experience.

We request resonable notice of at least 2 working days to be able to action any adjustments.

Any information disclosed to Swarthmore will be relayed to the workshop facilitator.

Urban Nature Connection Workshop with Ellie Julings