Connecting People With Nature
Groundwork is helping people connect with nature. Take a look at our upcoming events and click for more information.
- Volunteering at Cheapside Green Community Hub in Worksop
- Wellies in the Woods play sessions for pre-schoolers in Swadlincote
- Bird Box Workshop at Little Walled Garden in Nottingham on Thursday 16th and 23rd January
- Landbased Machinery Workshop at Little Walled Garden in Nottingham on Thursday 23rd January
- Coppicing Training in Coalville on Sundays 16th February and 23rd February
- Winter Bird Walk in Burton upon Trent – Sunday 9th February
Volunteering roles at Cheapside Community Hub (Worksop)
We have four volunteering roles at Cheapside Green Community Hub, to help us look after the site and organise events for the whole community to enjoy!
Click on the roles to find out more:
DIY/Handyman Volunteers
Sustainable Gardening Volunteers
Social Cooking Volunteers
Social Media Marketing Volunteers
You will be part of a passionate, dynamic team – with travel expenses paid. If you are interested, contact our Environment Coach Thomas: 0784 2431 852 / thomas.hollier@groundworknottingham.org.uk
Address: Entrance via metal gate next to 109 Cheapside, Worksop, S80 2JD
Wellies in the Woods in Swadlincote
Wellies in the Woods are FREE play sessions for children of pre-school age.
They combine play with education and creativity. Children and their grown-ups will be able to make new friends and get creative, exploring nature and creatures great and small!
Each session includes story time, with activities built around the story. We will be using the indoor facilities of the community centre and playing outside when the weather is right.
It’s a lot of fun, and we look forward to meeting you!
Blocks of 8 sessions, choose your preferred day and time: Tuesday 10 – 11:30am or 1 – 2:30pm, Friday 12pm – 2pm
You can sign up for multiple blocks, and can join part way through an existing block.
Block 3 Monday 6th January – Friday 28th February 2025
Location: Gresley Church Community Centre, Gresley Wood Rd, Church Gresley, Swadlincote DE11 9QW
Booking is essential! Visit the link or contact us: 07801 122494 / environment@groundworknottingham.org.uk
Bird Box Workshop
Learn the basics of carpentry and take home your own bird box!
All materials will be provided, with support from environmental experts.
Bird boxes give birds a safe space to nest and stay cosy all year round. You’ll be helping your local wildlife, improve the biodiversity of your community, and learn something amazing.
Thursday 23rd January, 10am – 3pm, lunch will be provided.
Address: The Little Walled Garden, St Martin’s Road in Bilborough, NG8 3AR
Bird Box Workshop
Learn about petrol strimmers, brush cutters, hedge cutters: what tasks they’re used for, handling, techniques, and maintenance.
You’ll also learn the importance of health and safety, risk assessments, and general safe working practices.
All materials will be provided, with support from environmental experts.
Thursday 23rd January, 10am – 3pm, lunch will be provided.
Address: The Little Walled Garden, St Martin’s Road in Bilborough, NG8 3AR
Coppicing Training in Coalville
Learn all about this traditional woodland management technique, that helps to rejuvenate trees and improves the health and biodiversity of green spaces.
Wear suitable footwear and dress for the weather, this activity takes place outdoors.
Choose your preferred day:
Sunday 16th February 2025, 10am – 1pm
Sunday 23rd February 2025, 10am – 1pm
Address: Bagworth Heath Wood, Heath Road, Bagworth, Coalville, LE67 1DL. Free car parking available
Booking essential. Contact Marion:
marion.farrell@groundworknottingham.org.uk / 07801 122 494
Guided Walk: Winter Birds
FREE winter walk at Branston Water Park in Burton upon Trent on Sunday 9th February, 9:30am – 12pm.
Together we will spot birds and local birder Tony will tell you all about the lovely critters we find. Bring binoculars if you have them for a better view!
Everyone is welcome, all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Address: Branston Water Park, Lichfield Road, Branston, DE14 3HD. Free car parking available
Booking essential. Contact Marion:
marion.farrell@groundworknottingham.org.uk / 07801 122 494
Nature activities
We know the value of people coming together in the great outdoors.
Being in green spaces has been shown to have positive impacts on the mental health and well-being of people of all ages. Our aim is to provide a supportive environment that encourages socialising, while also giving people the chance to escape the stress of everyday life and connect with nature.
Groundwork Five Counties is committed to maintaining and preserving our green spaces, ensuring they are open and accessible to everyone. Our experienced land maintenance team works hard to keep the spaces so you can enjoy them to the fullest.
Wellies in the Woods
Our Wellies in the Woods play sessions give families the opportunity to get physically active, get to know nature and improve their mental wellbeing in beautiful green spaces.
From organised walking festivals to regular walking groups and activities like play sessions in natural spaces, Wellies in the Woods is unique and exciting.
Wellies in the Woods’ activities are open and accessible to everyone. They provide the perfect opportunity to get out of the house, meet new people and enjoy the great outdoors.
Fun and friendly
These FREE sessions help pre-school children explore and experience just how fun nature can be!
During each session we will have a variety of activities, from scavenger hunts to crafts. These activities help children develop their fine motor skills, as well as improve social, communication, and literacy skills.
Through Wellies, children and grown-ups will gain lots of ideas for free or low-cost activities to replicate at home or your local green spaces.
Here’s what some of our attendees said:
“The activities were really good for little kids, fun and simple!”
“We want to do more activities outdoors; we have learned how easy it can be to do this.”
“Great enthusiasm for nature and learning and having fun. We really enjoyed it! “
“It’s like a lovely little adventure for them.”
For more information about our many outdoor events, or to become a volunteer, email us on environment@groundworknottingham.org.uk
Make sure to follow us on social media!
Facebook
X (Twitter)
Instagram