Birdwatching is currently full, but you can join the waitlist in case any spaces become available. Please use the register your interest button at the top of the page.

What will the programme be like?

This programme will be held in springtime, and will have a particular focus on birds and gentle movement through bird watching and bird walks.

Over 6 afternoons, you will have a chance to:

• Learn about birds and how we may recognise them either by sight or hearing.
• Learn about and experience nature in springtime.
• Engage in creativity and craftmaking.
• Practice mindfulness.
• Explore Warmley Forest Park if the group wishes.
• Get to know people around your age.

Everything will be an invitation, and you will get to choose whether you want to take part in any activity. If you are just wanting to spend time outdoors, you are still welcomed to join!

If you have any questions or would like to talk through anything, get in touch with our Nature Works Coordinator, Max – you can drop them an email (max@otrbristol.org.uk) or a text (07943756151). They will get back to you as soon as they can – they work Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, so they’ll only be able to answer on those days.

How does this relate to mental health?

Spending time in nature in a group can create a sense of wellbeing and belonging, and can help us cope with difficult feelings and experiences. Birdwatching is a form of mindfulness.

Access Info

Sessions will take place at William Champion’s Garden. There is one limited path in the Garden. The ground is otherwise short grass, mostly flat, with some gentle slopes. The Garden is quite secluded but is a public space.

There is no public toilet on site. The nearest toilet will be at Kingswood Heritage Museum, less than a 5-minute walk away.

We will be outside for the whole 2 hours. If it is cold, we will light a fire, and if it is raining, we will set up a tarp to protect us from the rain.

We will have camping chairs, and you can rest and sit down whenever you’d like.

There will be hot drinks and snacks available.

Bus 19, 42 and 43 stop less than a 5mins walk away from the garden at St Ivel Way bus stop. There is a car park right by the garden – you will find it by driving to Warmley care home, up the drive, and then immediately right down into the car park. 

If any of the above may be difficult for you, please let Max know, and they will do all they can to make this programme as accessible as possible for you.

About WildPace

WildPace comes from a long journey in nature combined with methods and practices of nature connection and wellbeing. Offering activities that help develop a closer, healthier and more sustainable relationship with nature through noticing, feeling, beauty, celebration and care. 

Connecting with nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and improve our mood. It helps us to learn about and value nature. It is good for our health and gives us a shared connection.

WildPace connects people with nature, rediscovering this beneficial richness.

Birdwatching will be run at William Champion’s Garden by Nick (He/him) from WildPace and Nature Works Coordinator Max (they/them).

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