Started February 2021, Wellbeing from Nature is a knowledge exchange and community building project in the areas of green care, nature induced wellbeing and eco-tourism.
In Inishowen the project has brought together groups, businesses, and individuals with an interest in the connectedness and serenity that the Inishowen landscape can bring, supporting them to work collaboratively on projects to invite more people to share their positive outdoor experiences and the benefits for mental health. It also promotes green tourism and sustainability.
Wellbeing from Nature is the international LEADER (“Liaison Entre Actions de Développement de l’Économie Rurale”) EU project in common with Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (SeAMK) from South Ostrobothnia, Finland and Gozo Action Group from Gozo, Malta.
Over sixty people expressed an interest in the project in Inishowen, and we have hosted two network meetings with over 30 people. There was also a great response to the survey of the interests in this area, the results of which were published by SeAMK Participants’ Hopes for International Leader -Project Well-being from Nature | @SeAMK-verkkolehti.
Wellbeing From Nature Ireland Visit April 2022
In April 2022, IDP welcomed its international partners from Malta and Finland and we showcased a selection of the Wellbeing from Nature tourism Inishowen has to offer.
This included Fort Dunree, Malin Head, Walking with Alpacas, Doagh Famine Village, Culdaff Beach for sea swimming, a yoga session, a visit to see Social Farming in action, the Trenbania Art Stay outside Carndonagh, Wild Ireland, White Oaks Sanctuary Garden, Glendowen Crafts, and included a Heritage Walk and Talk, a presentation on IDP’s Dare to Dip project, a Seminar with participants from the Irish Wellbeing from Nature network and an information talk on Social Enterprises by Spraoi agus Sport. All over three days – phew!.
We could have kept them busy for weeks with all the places and experiences that we have to offer people looking for a nature experience. The feedback from our visitors, 23 from Western Finland and Gozo in Malta, was very positive. What they saw and appreciated in Inishowen was the wonderful and unique nature. When the scenery and nature are so different from what they have at home, they can enjoy it even in hailstones, rain, and wind.
For many it was just a matter of bringing the right clothing and attitude. There was the feeling that nature and well-being should not be developed as mass tourism. The fresh air, animals, and being in nature had an ‘empowering’ effect on some visitors. Their feedback was to give information to travelers about clothing to bring, that they were interested in the everyday life of people, and that they liked the variety of activities that the trip offered them
See the video below which provides details of the trip and some feedback