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Wild Things benefits from National Lottery funding for its Silver Saplings project


By John Davidson

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Older people will be able to enjoy walks and take part in activities as part of the project.
Older people will be able to enjoy walks and take part in activities as part of the project.

A project to help tackle loneliness and boost mental wellbeing in care homes is set to benefit from £475,700 in National Lottery funding.

Silver Saplings, run by environmental education charity Wild Things, is expected to help around 3000 vulnerable older people across Moray, Inverness, Aviemore and Fochabers, including care home residents.

They will take part in nature activities to benefit their mental and physical wellbeing while also helping the most fragile natural heritage of the region.

Luke Strachan, CEO of Wild Things, said: “At Wild Things, we know first-hand that engaging with the natural world has powerful transformative and restorative qualities, no matter what age you are.

“In the current Covid-19 crisis, our Silver Saplings project is more relevant than ever. We aim to improve both physical and mental wellbeing among the most vulnerable members of society, creating opportunities for intergenerational engagement that unite communities and protect some of Scotland’s most unique, beautiful and fragile natural habitats.

“Wild Things is incredibly grateful for the generous support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund who have made this important work possible – together we look forward to enabling both communities and our natural heritage to thrive in partnership.”

Once restrictions are lifted, activities for socially isolated elderly people will include rock pooling, pond dipping, osprey and dolphin spotting, as well as nature-based crafts and beach walks.

For care home residents with restricted mobility there will be a programme of nature-based activities within the care-home setting, such as making bird feeders and planting native seedlings, designed to exercise cognitive abilities, fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye co-ordination and concentration.

Care home residents take part in the Silver Saplings project.
Care home residents take part in the Silver Saplings project.

Caroline Clark, director Scotland of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The last three months have been a tough time for people across the country, and many of us have recognised the benefits that connecting with nature can bring, lifting our mood and making us feel less stressed and more energised.

“I’m delighted that thanks to funds raised by National Lottery players, we can help those who haven’t been able to get out of doors enjoy all that it has to offer, forging new friendships, learning new skills and helping look after their beautiful landscape.”

There will also be a programme of outdoor activities for vulnerable teenagers and adults, with support in helping them work towards accredited NCFE qualifications. They will be encouraged to take part in many aspects of nature conservation including biological recording, avian surveys, coppicing and tree planting.

The project will run over four years across Moray, Inverness, Aviemore and Fochabers.

The Silver Sapling project

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