North York Moors National Park lines up Mindful Month programme to help people regain a sense of wellbeing harmony
Creative writing, mindful walking, beach yoga, sustainable gardening and art are just some of the ways that people can visit the North York Moors National Park during Mindful Month this September for an autumn wellbeing re-set ahead of winter.
The National Park designated September as Mindful Month several years ago as a way of guiding people towards the activities and places where they can slow down after a hectic summer and regain a sense of harmony as the new season approaches.
This year’s programme includes an array of yoga sessions at beauty spots, from the beaches at Whitby and Sandsend and the South Cliff Gardens at Scarborough; through to inland locations such as The Tree Retreat in Rosedale, Yoga & Spice’s tranquil riverside setting or the wooded grounds of High Dalby House. There’s also a special evening yoga session coinciding with the full Harvest Moon in the rewilded surroundings of Coast and Camplight at Stainsacre.
There’s a chance to learn how to walk more mindfully by joining Rachel Jones of Wild Walks on one of her guided strolls around Riccaldale, Rievaulx, Ampleforth and Kilburn Woods as she helps people clear their mind and notice more of the nature that surrounds them.
Visitors to the Inspired by… gallery at Danby Lodge National Park Centre can lose themselves in the microworld of hedges as they tour The Secret Life of Hedgerows exhibition or discover the absorbing, calming effect of observing nature by listening to resident artist Bridget Bailey talk about her artistic approach.
For those who switch off by trying something new, there’s a chance to also join Bridget on a knapweed flower crafting workshop, or ‘awaken the writer within’ on a creative writing day led by published author and poet Clare Challoner Walker and Janet Dean.
Meanwhile on the coast, visitors can head to the Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage where pop-up art galleries in cottages, street entertainment and a light trail along the seafront will add to the feel-good vibe.
As twilight falls there’s a chance to relax and let nature nurture the soul either at Ellerburn on a sensory safari; at Dalby for a dark skies meander and stargazing; or at Helmsley’s Open Air Swimming Pool during an evening dip under the stars.
For something different, people can enjoy the soothing and restorative effect of sound and its vibrations during a fireside meditation at Stainsacre or relax in a garden while learning sustainable permaculture techniques.
They can also revel in the warmth of a pop-up sauna on a beach at Saltburn after a cold plunge in the sea; or begin an eight-week mindfulness course with Claire Rodway, Woodland Wellbeing Officer using Raincliffe Woods for a number of sessions.
Phoebe Smith, Marketing Assistant at the North York Moors National Park says: “September is a prime time to slow down and prepare, both physically and mentally, for the autumn and winter seasons particularly if people have had a hectic summer. We know there’s a real desire to de-stress which is why Mindful Month serves an important purpose in highlighting the myriad ways that nature and the National Park’s landscapes can help people relax.”
For the full Mindful Month programme and booking details go to northyorkmoors.org.uk/mindfulmonth
ENDS
Media contacts
Amanda Brown on M: 07876 452580 or email: amanda@a2bpr.co.uk
Or
Nina Beadle
Communications Officer, North York Moors National Park Authority
press@northyorkmoors.org.uk
01439 772700
The North York Moors National Park
The North York Moors is a beautiful landscape of stunning moorland, ancient woodland and historic sites. Created on 28 November 1952, it became Britain’s sixth national park. Covering an area of 554 square miles (1,436 square kilometres) the National Park has 26 miles of coastline, two national nature reserves, 840 Scheduled Monuments and over 3,000 listed buildings, attracting an estimated 8.4 million visitors a year.
The National Park has two visitor centres, Danby Lodge National Park Centre and Sutton Bank National Park Centre, providing opportunities for cycling, walking, eating, picnicking, shopping, crafts and wildlife-watching. The centre in Danby also houses the Inspired by… gallery, which features regularly changing exhibitions by artists who draw their inspiration from the North York Moors.
The North York Moors National Park Authority works with a wide variety of people to care for this beautiful corner of Yorkshire, providing apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities with nearly 14% of staff being apprentices from local families.
To view other press releases and for further information about the North York Moors National Park, visit www.northyorkmoors.org.uk