The volunteering groups, which are free to attend, will offer fun nature conservation activities in Bournemouth’s parks to deliver health and wellbeing benefits to those taking part. The activities will take place in Churchill Gardens, Knyveton Gardens, Shelley Park and Horseshoe Common throughout the week, starting in Knyveton Gardens on Monday 15 October at 1pm.

The sessions aim to improve self-esteem, confidence, healthy living and physical activity for the local community, particularly those living with mental health conditions.

Peter Holloway, Parks in Mind Project Leader, said: “Autumn is a great time to get out of doors and I’m really looking forward to starting the groups next week. We’ll be doing a large variety of nature activities including rhododendron clearance to let light and warmth into the parks, planting small trees, making bird boxes and health walks, as well as themed activities such as carving pumpkins for Halloween.  The project is open to everyone. So, whether you want to maintain your current good health, improve your wellbeing, are suffering with poor mental health or recovering from addiction, we’d love you to join in.”

The initiative has been funded by the Public Health Dorset, People’s Postcode Lottery and the Big Lottery and is run in conjunction with Bournemouth Borough Council. Rupert Lloyd, Healthy Places Project Coordinator from Public Health Dorset said: “Spending time in parks and greenspaces is good for our health and we’re excited to be part of this project to enable more people to enjoy spending time in their local park and help enhance those spaces for everyone’s enjoyment”.

To view the programme of activities, visit bournemouthparksfoundation.org.uk/our-projects/parks-in-mind or call 01202 451513 for more information.