Published 16th December 2024
Inspire Libraries has been awarded a £6k grant by Natural England and Libraries Connected to deliver its new Culture Nature England project, a ground-breaking initiative launching at twenty-six public libraries across England that seeks to reconnect communities with nature, enhance mental wellbeing, and support the recovery of green spaces in urban landscapes.
Inspire will use the funding to deliver the Places to Connect programme, which will run at Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Retford Libraries between December 2024 and Spring 2025. At the core of the Culture Nature England project is a belief that libraries play a crucial role in reconnecting people to the natural world. Across six regions in England, this collaboration will transform local libraries into spaces where communities can engage in environmental learning, take part in outdoor activities, and explore their local natural landscapes.
Places to Connect will offer an opportunity for people in the areas around Retford and Kirkby-in-Ashfield to rediscover nature and experience the mental health benefits of environmental activities through their local library. Kicking off this month, Inspire’s two libraries will become vibrant nature hubs, hosting a variety of free and low-cost activities including nature-themed learning courses, gardening and willow weaving workshops, group walks with an ecology expert, Qigong-based movement and breathwork, family yoga sessions, and much more.
We’re delighted to be a part of this exciting project with Natural England and Libraries Connected. Libraries are vital access points for education and wellbeing, offering everyone the opportunity to connect with ideas, resources, and their community. Through our Places to Connect programme, we’re giving library customers the chance to engage with nature in a meaningful way, whether that’s by exploring their local environment with an expert or simply enjoying a peaceful moment in our community gardens
Natural England is encouraging communities to start making links between nature and Protected Site Strategies in the UK through the project. Recognising that the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, the Environment Act 2021 brought in Protected Site Strategies (PSS) in recognition of the need to help these precious areas.
To learn more about the Places to Connect programme or to get involved, visit your local Inspire library or contact ruth.telford-brown@inspireculture.org.uk.
For more information about the events programme, visit Places to Connect | Inspire - Culture, Learning, Libraries.
