Green health packs to benefit environment and boost wellbeing across Caithness
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Communities across Caithness are set for a busy spell on the horticultural front thanks to a project that will bring environmental benefits while also boosting people’s wellbeing.
Wick-based Caithness Voluntary Group (CVG) has assembled 450 green health packs with assistance from volunteers and staff at Pulteneytown People’s Project, while Caithness Rural Transport has helped get them distributed.
The packs have been funded by the Highland Green Health Events Project supported by the EU Leader Rural Development Fund, Scottish Natural Heritage and Highland Council. The aim is to provide enjoyment, release some creative talents and encourage people to discover new hobbies in the outdoors.
High Life Highland’s green health project officer Tania Alliod co-ordinated the basic packs, with staff and volunteers from Inverness Botanic Gardens putting the gardening items together. The packs include compost, pots, plant seeds, bird seed and bird identification sheets.
CVG arranged bird feeders and gardening gloves to be added to the packs, along with bubbles for younger children.
The groups in Caithness that will be receiving them are Dunbeath and District Centre, Caithness Community Connections, Pulteneytown People’s Project, Ypeople (supporting vulnerable groups), Home-Start (supporting families with young children), Caithness Klics (young carers), Sinclair’s Bay Community Council, Castletown Community Council and Befriending Caithness.
The packs will then be delivered to people in the community.
CVG development officer Yvonne Hendry said: “I hope that people will find the packs fun and something that families can enjoy doing together. It is hoped that those households receiving one of these packs will find the contents stimulating, both physically and mentally, so that it helps wellbeing.
“In these uncertain times, gardens can offer a source of relaxation and tranquillity for everyone and there are many benefits to connecting with nature in such a positive way.”
The Caithness initiative is part of a programme being delivered by the Highland Green Health Partnership to encourage more people to make use of local green and blue spaces as part of "Our Natural Health Service".
