Innovative outdoor singing project comes to Heavitree
We all know that being physically active is good for us, but did you know that simply being outside in the natural environment is also really good for your physical and mental health?
Research[1] shows it can help reduce anxiety and depression, helping to lower stress, blood pressure and more.
The benefits are even greater if we actively engage with nature, and the Nature Songs project is designed to do just that, using singing and songwriting to connect people to nature.
The first Nature Songs project ran in Bury Meadow Park through Winter and into early Spring, and we had really brilliant feedback, with all those taking part saying how much they had loved singing together outdoors, trying their hand at the fun poetry activities and making new friends.
They also said it had encouraged them to see the natural world with fresh eyes and inspired them to get out and about on walks more often. It seems like fresh air becomes addictive!
We are therefore really excited to have been funded by Active Devon to run a second Nature Songs project, this time in Heavitree Pleasure Grounds. We will start in May, on Saturday mornings, for 8 sessions and we are inviting people to book their spot now.
The project is totally free, with most of the places reserved for the over 55 age group and people who would like to get a bit more active.
You don’t need to be able to read music or have any experience writing poetry or lyrics – the sessions are designed to be fun and easy going! If you’d like to find out more, please email amy@thesongwritingproject.co.uk or phone Amy on 07590 827887
Amy Hopwood is a musician, Natural Voice Practitioner and the leader of Nature Songs. She said “I can’t wait to bring the Nature Songs project to Heavitree.
"I’ve been out exploring the park already and have spotted some wonderful features we can use to inspire our songs and poems.
"It’s such a lovely way to spend time outdoors and connect to nature. I think I get just as much enjoyment from it as the participants do!”
[1] For example:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/MHAW21_NATURE%20REPORT_ENG_web.pdf
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-44097-3
