Workshops held at Milton Country Park for adults facing mental health challenges that provide an opportunity to learn about foraging, explore the natural environment, connect and create hosted by Earth & Mind CIC.
This activity is good for wellbeing because
- being in green spaces feels good - whatever the weather and whatever the season there's always something new to discover and share;
- you'll learn how to identify plants, understand environmentally-friendly foraging guidelines and how to make things from what you find;
- whilst foraging in Milton Country Park you'll be getting some gentle exercise.
"I arrived feeling stressed and flustered - I wasn't having a good morning - but I left feeling relaxed and replenished."
How to contact
Where to go
Milton Country Park
Cambridge Road
Milton
Cambridge
CB24 6AZ
Akeman Community Centre
80 Akeman Street
Cambridge
England
CB4 3HG
What to expect
Led by Emma and Emily, these workshops are for up to six people. If it's your first time, Emma or Emily will meet you at the entrance to Milton Country Park - next to the information sign in the car park (pictured above). You'll then gather under cover in The Wild Place and have a drink made out of foraged plants - perhaps a mint or rose petal tea - whilst other people arrive.
At the first session, you'll receive a tote bag containing a workbook, some snips for cutting plants, paper, a notebook and pencil and copy of 'Food for Free' to refer to. You'll then either be taken on a guided walk to forage for leaves, bark, flowers or berries (this will change every week according to what is available) or you'll be making something out of foraged plants.
Emily and Emma will share their knowledge of the plants - from how they've been used throughout history, what can be made from them and how to identify them accurately. Emily and Emma are committed to creating a space that is inclusive, welcoming and supportive - and foraging and making is calming and mindful.
More information
Workshops are held on Wednesdays between 10am and 12 noon - contact Earth & Mind for dates. To get the most benefit, you are encouraged to attend six sessions and there is a mood-based evaluation to see whether attending has an impact on your wellbeing.
If you are anxious about going for the first time, you can bring along your Social Prescribing Link Worker or other health/social care professional or carer. Or you can contact Emily and she can answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Sessions are aimed at adults with mild/moderate anxiety, low mood, stress or experiencing loneliness or social isolation. To book your place or find out more, you can contact Emily on the phone number or email address provided.
The Wild Place is wheelchair accessible, but foraging takes place on uneven surfaces with some bending over and stretching to pick plants. If you have mobility issues, please contact Emily to discuss what you need.
Wear weather appropriate clothes and footwear - if you don't have anything suitable, Emma or Emily may be able to lend you something.
There are toilets on site.
Other Earth & Mind activities:
Earth & Mind CIC also host a weekly drop-in Growing Cafe with Cambridge Sustainable Food at Akeman Community Centre, 80 Akeman Street, Cambridge, England, CB4 3HG - anyone is welcome to come along and enjoy free soup, cake, and hot drinks, join in with gardening activities or just relax and enjoy some sunshine and good company in the growing space. Everyone is welcome, no booking required. Suitable for adults, families, and children of all ages! For more information please contact [email protected]
Earth & Mind also host one-off foraging events for families - email Emily for details.
Taster sessions and the series of six workshops are free.
Parking in the car park is charged at an hourly rate. More information here.
How to contact
Where to go
Milton Country Park
Cambridge Road
Milton
Cambridge
CB24 6AZ
Akeman Community Centre
80 Akeman Street
Cambridge
England
CB4 3HG