Connecting People With Nature
Groundwork is helping people connect with nature. Take a look at our FREE 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 – blocks of 8 sessions
- Gardening & DIY course at Little Walled Garden in Nottingham, Tuesday 15 & Thursday 17th April
- Guided Evening Walk at St Peter’s Wood in Hartshorne, Swadlincote, Thursday 22nd May
Volunteering roles at Cheapside Community Hub (Worksop)
We have four volunteering roles at our Cheapside Green Community Hub in Worksop, 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. To have a chat about these roles, 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
FREE Wellies in the Woods in Swadlincote
Wellies in the Woods are 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. It’s a lot of fun, and we look forward to meeting you!
You can sign up for multiple blocks, and can join part way through an existing block. Open to people living in South Derbyshire.
Blocks of 8 sessions, choose your preferred day and time: Tuesday 10 – 11:30am or 1 – 2:30pm, Friday 10 – 11:30am or 1 – 2:30pm.
Block 4 Monday 10th March – Friday 9th May 2025
Location: Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Wood, Occupation Road, Albert, DE11 8HA
Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Wood, Albert Village
Our meeting point is the car park. There is also a handy bus stop just a few minutes walk away.
We will be there wearing a black top with our white triangular Groundwork Five Counties logo (see top of this page).
We look forward to meeting you!
Address to Albert Village Lake car park: 219 Occupation Rd, Albert Village, Swadlincote DE11 8HD
FREE Gardening & DIY course
The course is made up of two parts covering gardening and DIY. Learn the basics on the first day, with more in-depth training on the second day.
Gardening
Learn about soil preparation, composting, seed planting, organic pest control, crop rotation, water conservation, and more.
DIY Skills
Learn how to build garden beds, basic sheds and compost bins, install rain barrels, and make minor repairs on fences and other allotment structures.
This free course is for Nottinghamshire residents (aged 19+) who are unemployed, working part-time, or on a low income.
Tuesday 15th and Thursday 17th April, 9am – 3pm. You must be able to attend both days.
Location: The Little Walled Garden, St Martin’s Road in Bilborough, NG8 3AR
FREE Guided Evening Walk at St Peter’s Wood in Hartshorne, Swadlincote
Planted in 2021, this 50 acre woodland includes a wonderful range of woodland types and structures, from parkland to mixed conifers.
The walk is accessible to all with options to see different parts of the woodland and experience the views. Our guides will be able to show you a diverse range of habitats and wildlife, we may even spot bats and barn owls!
Theme: Biodiversity and Productive Woodland Working Together
This walk is part of the National Forest Walking Festival.
Date: Thursday 22nd May 2025
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Location: St Peter’s Wood, Hartshorne, Swadlincote, DE11 7BE
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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