The Nature of Scotland

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Countryside Ranger Claire Paterson explains how 12-week programmes of inspirational activity in woodland settings are helping adults improve their mental health. ‘Branching Out’ 1 14 The Nature of Scotland
It’s an unpleasant fact but it is reckoned that one adult in four will experience mental illness at some point in their lifetime. At Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, which lies south-west of Glasgow, ‘Branching Out’ programmes are tackling that statistic and improving mental health. ‘Branching Out’ is an award-winning concept devised by Forestry Commission Scotland, in partnership with the NHS and mental health charities. Participants who attend the course, usually in groups of 12, visit the Regional Park once a week for three hours over a twelve-week period. The course involves clients referred from mental health services participating in a wide variety of activities such as conserving and improving habitats, through alien species removal and birdbox building, to more artistic activities such as willow sculpture, environmental art and photography. Taking part in creative pursuits is one way in which participants express what they are feeling, and sharing experiences with others helps them overcome feelings of isolation. At the end of the course there is a graduation ceremony with certificates of completion, tool-handling and achievement. The group adopt an area to work in and, using bushcraft, develop skills in basic tool use as well as communication and teamwork. Underpinning it all is the calming atmosphere of the natural environment and fresh air, which helps participants relax and, most importantly, enjoy themselves. It’s part of our Natural Health Service! The first public authority partner of the scheme, Clyde Muirshiel, will soon be delivering its eighth programme for groups from Renfrewshire and Inverclyde. 1 Artistic activities such as photography encourage creativity as well as enabling participants to record their ‘journey’ through the programme. 2 The course includes shared experiences to build teamwork skills and overcome isolation. 2 www.snh.gov.uk 15
Page 1 and 2: Scottish Natural Heritage Autumn /
Page 3 and 4: Contents Features 10 Natural inspir
Page 5 and 6: Welcome Alison Bell Principal Advis
Page 7 and 8: Dung ho! They’re built like minia
Page 9 and 10: Winter Daylight hours are few now,
Page 11 and 12: Winter Branches of learning Look at
Page 13 and 14: 1 Year of Natural Scotland 2013 is
Page 15: www.snh.gov.uk 13
Page 19 and 20: 5 “‘Branching Out’ fits well
Page 21 and 22: SNH PINS its notices on new online
Page 23 and 24: NEWS Basking shark tagging project
Page 25 and 26: 1 Red kite recovery features promin
Page 27 and 28: 1 A new funding package should help
Page 29 and 30: 3 4 www.snh.gov.uk 27
Page 31 and 32: It has been another poor summer wea
Page 33 and 34: Gocan na Cuthaig Tha abairt ann an
Page 35 and 36: Centre manager Colin Seddon stresse
Page 37 and 38: “A key aspect of our new centre i
Page 39 and 40: Caerlaverock National Nature Reserv
Page 41 and 42: 3 2 The path divides at this point
Page 43 and 44: 6 Essential information Caerlaveroc
Page 45 and 46: SNH Area News Forth Correspondents:
Page 47 and 48: SNH Area News Southern Scotland Cor
Page 49 and 50: SNH Area News Tayside and Grampian
Page 51 and 52: Green tourism is one of Scotland’
Page 53 and 54: Glasgow’s Countryside Rangers hav
Page 55 and 56: 4 Scotland where wild whooper swans
Page 57 and 58: 6 5 Countryside Rangers offer valua
Page 59 and 60: Climate change and more extreme wea
Page 61 and 62: 1 Black grouse seen displaying by a
Page 63 and 64: 3 More than just a peat bog We have
Page 65 and 66: More than just some hills The very
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www.snh.gov.uk 65
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The Nature of Scotland

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