We had a lovely time delivering this family workshop in partnership with The canal and River Trust at the canal side in the middle of the city of Nottingham.
It was wonderful to see the families come to take part in our well being activities and to hear that for many it was a new experience just seeing the canal.
Its always lovely to help families discover how great if feels in mind and body to visit th ecanal. Especially for those living in busy cities this is a haven that has immediate impact.Even on cooler days!
The sessions were a clear success in engaging new and underrepresented audiences, including families new to the area, most never having been to the canal before.
Their experience of the canal—completely new to them—offered a valuable and educational introduction to the area, including learning about locks and local waterways. Led by Laura, the sessions provided a personalised and immersive experience, with participants actively engaging with the tools and benefitting from an extended, close-to-water storytelling element.
Overall Summary
The trial demonstrated that the program effectively engaged families with the canal and nature, promoting wellbeing, mindfulness, and a greater appreciation for the canal environment. The activities were well-received, and feedback was used to refine them. The sessions in Nottingham had lower attendance but successfully reached new audiences, highlighting the program’s potential in urban settings, though with some challenges around the site conditions.