‘Listening to the Land’ Project 2026
The invitation
In 2026 we are offering an exciting opportunity to explore how tuning into nature can inspire creativity, and support our wellbeing. It is free to take part, thanks to generous funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.
We will meet once a month, from March to November, on a Saturday morning in Barrow Park. From our homely base, at sound art and new music organisation ‘Full of Noises’, we will venture out to explore different ways to connect – with the living world and with our own sense of creativity (focusing on words, sounds and music). The Park is a rich and varied place and a green oasis in a busy urban town. We will also visit the iconic Lake District National Park, and the stunning coastline of the Furness Peninsula.
Who is it for?
This project is aimed at adults (18+) living in Furness and South Lakes. We are keen to support people most in need, especially those with mental health challenges, but our criteria are flexible so please apply if not sure!
You don’t need to have any experience of the creative practices we will be exploring – creativity is for everyone! The activities will be simple and accessible, aimed to appeal to all ability/skill levels, and you can join in or sit out with things as you feel.
In order to participate fully it would help if you can comfortably walk for an hour or so (especially for our trip to the Lakes).
When will the sessions take place?
- March 21st
- April 18th
- May 30th
- June 27th
- July 18th
- August 29th
- Sept 19th
- Oct 17th
- November 7th and 14th
“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread… where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike.”
John Muir
What to expect:
Our programme will unfold as we go, in response to the group’s interests/preferences. There are plentiful activities we might try…
- Tuning in – activities to calm the mind and bring receptivity and awareness to nature such as guided mindfulness, listening/recording sounds, and small group activities to spark curiosity and share different perspectives
- Responding creatively – Journaling to capture observations and ideas, working with guest artists, and experimenting with creating poetry, music, songwriting and sound art, individually and in groups
- Reflection and sharing – On our experiences together, and with our wider community through an event or recordings/podcasts (as the group chooses).
Benefits of taking part:
This is a unique and special opportunity to take part in a fully funded professionally curated programme! We hope you will receive many benefits:
A deeper connection to nature and the seasons – Feel how tuning into nature can help us slow down, calm the mind/nervous system and connect to our ‘true selves’.
Creative expression – Develop your creative voice and boost your confidence
Sense of community – Find a sense of belonging, both in nature and with a supportive group!
You will learn new practices to support your creativity and wellbeing moving forwards.
“We all have music in us – your heartbeat is your drum, your voice is your sound”
Randy Weston
Are you inspired to join us?
Please fill in our expression of interest questionnaire if so. (We can have a phone chat or find another way if you prefer – just let us know!) CLICK HERE.
For more information contact Amy at info@playful-nature.co.uk
About Playful Nature
This project will be facilitated by experienced creative and nature based facilitator Amy Boud. Amy is the Lead Director of Playful Nature CIC which aims to support people to connect with their instinctive, playful selves, with each other, and the living earth… to nurture health and happiness, in an increasingly challenging world. Amy has a lifelong love of the living world and creative expression. She has been making music for years – in drum circles, singing groups, and folk bands and is currently exploring her own connection to nature through her songwriting.
For more background see here: https://playful-nature.co.uk/about
Testimonials
“Beautifully held, fun, relaxing, funny” – Workshop participant
“You are so good at creating safety through your acceptance of all folks and contributions” – Workshop participant
“The one thing that made me feel better today is that we all collaborated spontaneously. We all managed to work together with you leading us with no effort it just seemed to happen” – “Pause.Listen.Create…” participant
I enjoyed “Taking the time to listen and slow down and tune into my senses. And doing this with a new group of people – lots of laughs and not taking ourselves too seriously” – “Pause.Listen.Create…” participant
