Author Archives: Innovate Trust Skills and Wellbeing department

Boosting Nature started in January 2020 The Boosting Nature project supported adults with learning disabilities to increase their physical and mental wellbeing, as well as their knowledge and understanding of the natural world, by taking part in environmental conservation tasks and biodiversity-themed educational activities.Almost 3 months into the project, on the 17th March 2020, weContinue reading “A fond farewell”

After despairing if we would ever get back to doing outdoor activities together I am pleased to say that we have been able to return to Ysgubor Fawr, St.Fagans and to Forest Farm. Not an easy task but after several on line and in person training on how to return safely in these difficult timesContinue reading “A welcome return”

Thirty individuals or houses will be benefitting from wildlife kits that we are putting together to encourage wildlife into our gardens .Some have chosen ponds in different sizes including plants and oxygenators; some will be getting bird nest box kits and bug house kits. Others have chosen flower seeds to attract the pollinators and othersContinue reading “Wildlife in our gardens”

It’s been a while since we last told you about our activities. Looking back today at what we have been doing since our last blog I realised how busy we have been and how varied our zoom sessions have been. From discussing nature and the effects of lockdown, talking about our unusual neighbours to takingContinue reading “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”

We have been very fortunate to be able to work with two of our participants in their garden in Sully . We started by working on the Nectar Cafe planting nectar rich plants to try and encourage pollinators to the garden and surrounding area. There had been a lack of butterflies, bees and other insectsContinue reading “Developing a garden in Sully , promoting planting and bird spotting.”

We’ve had a busy time on zoom this month enjoying each others’ company whilst also learning new things about all of the Nature around us. Our first session this month was learning about the importance of our green spaces around us for nature and indeed ourselves. We discussed ways in which we could actively takeContinue reading “From wildflower meadows to murder mysteries”

Despite remaining in lockdown we have continued to undertake and enjoy activities which have helped us to better understand nature and how we react to it . We have all noticed how much cleaner the air is , how much louder the bird song is and how many more butterflies are visiting our gardens .Continue reading “Enjoying Nature”

Despite lockdown Boosting Nature has continued to be busy , in particular , encouraging and helping 39 individuals to grow beanstalks and sunflowers at home. Our participants got to watch a video explaining how to grow these seeds and also were each sent seeds and a how to guide . As a result every 39Continue reading “Growing seeds to help our pollinators.”

We have been lucky enough this month to plant some young sapling trees in two locations at Forest Farm. The trees we have planted are oak, hazel, maple, beech and willow . Planting small saplings has been proven to establish more successfully. By planting UK sourced and grown we ensure that we have fully traceableContinue reading “The Calm Quiet Strength of a Tree.”

We are pleased to report that despite all of the wind and rain that we have encountered this month that we were able to visit seven different sites in Cardiff undertaking a variety of work restoring and maintaining natural habitats , litter picking , removal of non- native plants , planting snow drops and creatingContinue reading “Our first month.”