A new directory of nature-based activity providers and green spaces in Rushcliffe is now available to encourage more people to explore local nature and improve their mental and physical health.
The Rushcliffe Big Green Book gives a wealth of local contacts and information to help groups and individuals find great new health and wellbeing opportunities on their doorstep in the Borough.
To view the latest version, visit www.rushcliffehealth.org/green-book
It gives details of activities such as walking and exercise groups, coffee meetups, wildlife and environmental links, gardening, allotment, food sharing and leisure opportunities at local waterways, parks and open spaces.
The Big Green Book will be updated every quarter with the next edition available in October 2023.
The concept has also been designed to be used by social prescribers and he
althcare workers who want to find activities for their patients, as well as individuals who are looking for local community groups to get involved in.
The book is delivered in partnership with Rushcliffe Borough Council, Rushcliffe Primary Care Network and the Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service (NCVS) and sets out local activities and groups across the Borough to help people choose an activity that is local and easily accessible to them.
It has been developed as part of the GreenSpace Green Social Prescribing Project that focuses on improving people’s mental health, in line with the national Green Social Prescribing initiative.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Transformation, Leisure and Wellbeing Cllr Jonathan Wheeler said: “We’re pleased that the Rushcliffe Big Green Book is now live and ready to be utilised and shared across the Borough.
“It’s a useful resource for social prescribers, healthcare workers and individuals who are looking for friendly groups to join and take part in free outdoor activities that support mental health and wellbeing.
“The book also supports Rushcliffe working towards becoming a Dementia Friendly Borough by encouraging providers to obtain the ‘Dementia Friendly’ badge.
“A special thanks to NCVS who are leading the GreenSpace programme and for all their hard work on the Rushcliffe Big Green Book.”
Friends of Sharphill Wood (FoSW) run monthly practical conservation work parties and is among the community providers featured in the directory.
The group aim to enhance Sharphill Wood Local Nature Reserve for the benefit of the local community and for flora and fauna.
FoSW Chair Chrissie Wells added: “Since 2008 when Rushcliffe Borough Council brought us together to help manage Sharphill Wood as a local nature reserve, we have recognised the importance of involving as many local people as possible, especially young people in our sessions.
“By bringing people together we can all help care for the wildlife whilst preserving this site for the health and welfare of future generations.”
Photo from left to right: RBC Senior Environmental Sustainability Officer Paul Phillips, Friends of Sharphill Wood (FoSW) Mike Rivett, FoSW Secretary Bill Logan, RBC Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Transformation, Leisure and Wellbeing Cllr Jonathan Wheeler, RBC Community Development Manager Derek Hayden, RBC Health Development Officer Sofi Melvin, Rushcliffe Primary Care Network Digital Inclusion Co-Ordinator Kai Pitman and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust Senior Nature Recovery Officer (South) Ben Driver.