Renew, refresh, reconnect

Spending time in nature brings a huge range of benefits for our health and wellbeing. It has been shown to help lower stress levels, allows us to get more active, feel more calm, get better sleep, and can even help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

Whether you prefer to connect with nature by enjoying a quiet few minutes each day listening to birdsong in your back garden, or getting out and exploring our region's wild places, the wonderful thing is, there's no right or wrong way to go about it! Carving out whatever bit of time we can to welcome nature into our lives a little more, in whatever way works best, is bound to have a positive impact.

Here are just a few things you can do to feel renewed, refreshed and reconnected with nature.

Walking in your local park, woodland, beach or nature reserve is one of the best ways to connect with the nature on your doorstep and lift your mood. On your next walk, slow down and take notice of what you can see, hear and smell - try to spot the signs of the season such as blossom on the trees, colourful spring flowers such as daffodils, crocuses or bluebells, and the sounds of birdsong. Are there any bird calls that you recognise?

Or, why not join a guided walk at one of our nature reserves - whether you're looking to learn more about our region's bats, trees, or wildflowers, explore our wild coast, get more active, or just enjoy time spent outdoors chatting with like-minded people - there is always a calendar full of walks to come along and enjoy.

Upcoming guided walks

On your next nature walk, or even while spending time in your own garden, yard or balcony, try to see what wildlife you can spot. Even small green spaces are full of life!

At this time of year, you should be able to see signs of new life all round - flowers beginning to bloom, animals performing their courtship rituals ready for mating season, colour returning to the trees, the earliest arrivals of baby deer, hedgehogs waking from their hibernation, and the welcome return of buzzing bees and colourful butterflies.

Mindfully noticing and appreciating these milestones can help us feel more connected with nature and appreciate the beauty of the changing seasons.

Wildlife to look for in spring

After a walk round one of our nature reserves, why not pop into one of our cafes for a well-earned break? Grab a comfortable seat near a window and enjoy a peaceful brew, snack or a hot meal whilst you watch the world go by outside. Kestrel Kitchen at Brockholes is located on our floating visitor village, so the lake is right outside the window - giving you the best seat in the house for spotting wildlife while you relax!

Our cafes at Brockholes, Mere Sands Wood, Moss Bank Park and Queens Park sell delicious, locally-sourced hot and cold food, drinks, ice creams and other sweet treats. All proceeds from our cafes are directed straight back into our work protecting wildlife, so by treating yourself, you're doing something great for wildlife too.

Places to eat and drink at our nature reserves

It's not just our wild spaces and nature reserves where we can connect with nature - we can do this at home, too. Whether you have a garden, yard, balcony, or shared allotment - any outdoor space, big or small, can make a difference for wildlife.

Small actions like planting pollinator-friendly flowers, providing water, feeding the birds, creating 'hedgehog highways' or even letting a small patch of your garden grow wild, will attract a range of wildlife to your garden. If we all take a few steps like this, we can create a network of 'mini nature reserves' providing shelter and safety for countless species - and in turn, enjoy all the wellbeing benefits of having more nature right on our doorsteps!

Tell us all about your wildlife-friendly garden

If you'd like to get involved with wildlife in a more hands-on way, our practical volunteering groups are a chance to experience all the physical and mental benefits of being out in nature, whilst also enjoying the camaraderie of working with your fellow volunteers and knowing that you are doing something tangible to help your local wildlife.

Or, if you'd prefer to share your knowledge and love of nature with others, there are plenty of opportunities to join our team of passionate guided walk leaders, lead activities and events on our reserves, or help out in our visitor centres. Every single volunteer makes a difference!

Our current volunteering opportunities

We run events all year round to help little ones connect with nature and learn all about the wildlife that lives on their doorstep. We host regular events and educational sessions for thousands of children every year, helping inspire and educate the next generation of wildlife protectors!

Our regular family-friendly events such as Nature Tots, pram walks, Toddle Together and craft sessions allow the whole family to get involved, learn and get closer to nature together.

Plan your next family day out

Whether you're searching for somewhere new for your next nature walk, wanting to learn more about how nature can benefit your wellbeing, or discover what wildlife you may be able to spot at this time of year, explore our helpful resources below.