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Working with local groups to create a Wilder Nottinghamshire network: Lincolnshire Co-op

Photo © Sophie Bell

Join Harri, Wilder Nottinghamshire Officer (North) to find out how a joint venture with Mary from Lincolnshire Co-Op helped utilize our pool of pre-existing volunteers to set up a wellness walk at Idle Valley.

I’m Harri, the Wilder Officer up North and as part of my role, I am active in the community not only finding out how local people are taking action for nature but also making community connections to help people with their “Wilder” journey.

I was lucky enough to work with Mary from the Lincolnshire Co-Op in a previous role and just knew there was loads we could work with together. Mary's role is a community-based role, just like mine, and her enthusiasm is amazing. We met for a cuppa at Idle and the ideas were flowing.

Participants of the weekly wellness walk at Idle Valley

Photo © Sophie Bell

Mary started to tell me about the walks that she was starting all over Nottinghamshire, supported by the Ramblers. She was struggling to find volunteers and a venue to run one up near Idle Valley Nature Reserve, and just like that Idle Walking was born.

I had a chat with my wonderful Wilder Welcome Volunteers and their response was so positive and so encouraging and it was full steam ahead from there.

Myself and the volunteers attended ‘Wellbeing Walk Training’ provided by Lincolnshire CO-OP and all successfully passed the training. We then had to shadow other walks and lead one ourselves under supervision. With all the I’s dotted and T’s crossed we were all set up for the walk to launch.

Walkers at Idle Valley on a Wellness Walk

Photo © Sophie Bell

Idle Walking takes place every Tuesday from 10:30am from the café at Idle Valley. Each week our numbers grew and before we knew it there was a core group of about 15 people attending every week. Our numbers are now reaching 25 regularly. This is down to the hard work, dedication, and consistency of our Wilder Welcome Volunteers. Without them, this wouldn’t be possible. Once the walk is completed we all gather in the café for a cuppa and a chat. For, some who find the walk too much every week, they will just join for the cuppa and chart part. We love that they still join in with us.

Walkers at Idle Valley on a Wellness Walk

Photo © Sophie Bell

The walkers have bonded in a manner we could have only dreamed of. There is a very active WhatsApp group where pictures and stories are shared, not only from the walks. Should someone miss one of the weekly walks Maxine's pictures keep us all going and feel part of the walk. Friendships have grown and the support network that’s been created is heart-warming and a testament to the volunteer's welcoming and supportive manner.

My involvement with the walks now is very minimal, apart from when I get time to join in one of them. All the hard work is credited to the Wilder Welcome Volunteers. I feel so lucky to not only be the volunteer lead for this group but also to call them friends. They are supportive, helpful, knowledgeable, and incredibly wonderful.

If you would like any more information about these walks please feel free to contact us, Facebook message Harri Wilder, or call me on 07849623599

Get involved

For more information about the weekly Wellness Walks at Idle Valley as well as walks at other wonderful nature reserves and other events, please take a look at our events page!

Visit our events page

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