The Lancashire Wildlife Trust is inviting people to rediscover ‘how the natural world can play a positive role in their lives’.

Their Myplace project provides people with the chance to meet others and engage in activities around nature such as conservation work, walks, bushcraft, food growing and mindfulness.

This takes place in hubs across the county and Blackburn is one of them.

Andy Mather from the Trust said: “As we have been forced to slow down, live simpler lives and change our routine, we have suddenly found time to appreciate what has always been there but, somehow, we have never seen.

“The simple beauty of seeing spring and then summer unfold in all their glory, of feeling the sun on our face whilst we sit with nowhere particular to go or nothing particular to do.

“The pleasure of observing a bee or butterfly roaming around before settling upon a bright flower - newly formed with which it has an interdependent relationship.

“Recently, our minds have been battling with worries for our future and that of our family, friends and community as we try to learn how to tackle a new and difficult problem.”

During the pandemic, the Trust has been running series of sessions on-line which offer free support including activities with a focus on the natural world for both adults and young people in the region.

Many visit Brockholes Nature Reserve near Preston but much more is available through the Trust.

Andy said : “We also have many other nature reserves, projects and volunteering opportunities for people to explore, help local wildlife and enjoy.

“We are sometimes aware that relatively few members of the Asian community are taking up these other opportunities and would love to do something to increase the community’s access to, and enjoyment of, all the wonderful local green spaces around us.”

If anyone is interested in helping form a group to come up with ideas as to how they can best achieve this or wishes to join the Myplace programme please contact Andy on amather@lancswt.org.uk or 07720 208424.

To find out more or sign up visit: www.lancswt.org.uk/our-work/projects/myplace.