Connecting People With Nature
Groundwork is helping people connect with nature. Take a look at our FREE upcoming events and click for more information.
- Weekly Wellies in the Woods group sessions for pre-schoolers in Swadlincote and Worksop
- Guided Walk: Damselflies & Dragonflies at Branston Water Park, Sunday 27th July
- FREE Guided Nature Walk at Nailstone Platinum Jubilee Country Park on Thursday 7th August
Are you looking for volunteering opportunities? We’d love to welcome you! You’ll find there are plenty of ways you can get involved and contribute to what we do around the East Midlands. Each person that supports us, positively impacts their community.
FREE Wellies in the Woods play sessions
Wellies in the Woods are play sessions for children of pre-school age, combining 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. It’s a lot of fun, and we look forward to meeting you!
An adult must accompany children, and we advise you to dress for the weather and bring a drink.
We are hosting these groups in various locations, take a look for your nearest one and book!
Gresley Wood, Swadlincote
Meeting place: Albert Village Lake car park, DE11 8HG
Every Friday, 10am – 11:30am
8 sessions running from 15 August until 3rd October.
Cheapside Green Community Hub, Worksop
Location: Entrance to Allotments via metal gate next to 109 Cheapside, Worksop, S80 2JD
Every Tuesday, 10am – 11:30am
8 sessions running from 12 August until 30th September
FREE Guided Walk: Damselflies & Dragonflies in Branston
Local expert Tony Slater will be your guide on this peaceful amble where we will mostly stand and observe – this is not an intense walk.
Learn to identify damselflies and dragonflies and learn all about these magnificent creatures that are over 300 million years old!
Everyone is welcome, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Please note to dress for the weather and bring a drink if it’s hot.
Date: Sunday 27th July 2025
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Location: Branston Water Park, Lichfield Rd, Branston, Burton upon Trent, DE14 3HD
Parking: Free parking, access via A38 heading northbound between Barton under Needwood and Branston, just follow the brown tourist signs.
Funded by The National Forest.
FREE Guided Nature Walk at Nailstone Platinum Jubilee Country Park
Explore this former coal mine turned country park!
Former collieries around the region are being transformed into green spaces for visitors and wildlife to enjoy.
We’ll be offering a free guided walk around the park on behalf of National Forest.
We’ll look for and teach attendees about local butterflies, dragonflies, trees, wildflowers, and more.
Date: Thursday 7th August 2025
Time: 10am – 12pm
Location: Nailstone Platinum Jubilee Country Park, Nailstone.
Parking: Free parking at the education centre on Grange Road. What3words: prettiest.rental.basically
Everyone is welcome, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Please note to dress for the weather and bring a drink if it’s hot.
No need to book, just turn up!
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
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