Page 8 - Wildlife News August 2017

People & nature I t’s summer, you step outside after a long, hot day in the office,
and you take a deep breath. The feeling of relaxation you get is
Naahteuarele’sr immediate. It’s something we can all relate to because part of
what makes us who we are is a deep connection with nature.
We all need nature. Time spent
outside can heal – and it makes If you are reading this you probably don’t need to be told that
us feel great! Becky O’Melia, time outside makes you feel good. Yet for many people the intrinsic
Community Wildlife Officer at need for nature is ignored or never truly recognised. A lack of nature
the Nature Discovery Centre, usually leads to a deterioration of both physical and mental health.
explains how the Centre’s people- Time in nature not only makes us happier and healthier, it increases
focused projects are literally the likelihood we’ll champion wildlife and take actions to benefit it.
transforming lives
BBOWT understands that humans need nature. We run several
projects to connect people with wildlife, encouraging participants
to fall in love with nature so they want to look after it.

The Nature Discovery Centre plays a big part in these projects.
Based in Thatcham, the Centre is the gateway to a beautiful nature
reserve, created from gravel extraction in the 1980s. Visitors can
enjoy a stroll around the lakes, explore further into the adjoining
Thatcham Reedbeds or simply sit with a drink to enjoy the
spectacular view from our Lakeside Café.

Since the start of the year we’ve run a number of projects
specifically targeting groups of people who may benefit from
contact with nature.

Stay connected Taking in the view of the lake at the
Nature Discovery Centre. (Laura parker)
n Learn more about the Nature Memories Café and how you or a loved one can
participate at bbowt.org.uk/nature-memories-cafe

n Meet Eight Bells members who have benefited from the nature therapy sessions in
our beautifully produced video: bbowt.org.uk/eight-bells

n Plan your trip to the Nature Discovery Centre and explore the full events programme
at bbowt.org.uk/nature-discovery-centre

8 Wildlife news / August 2017