Relax in Caithness nature with new inspiring film

A new film is hoping to inspire less confident people out into the Caithness countryside to help with relaxation and wellbeing.

A 10-minute screening of the Caithness Nature Relaxation Film is to take place in Thurso on Sunday, March 2.

Endangered species conservation programme, Species on the Edge, and Thurso-based yoga studio, Flow North Yoga and Wellbeing, have teamed up to produce the programme.

A free launch event, taking place at Flow North Studio in Thurso from 3-4pm, will include a screening of the film as well as talks from the film-makers and from local organisations featured in it. A guided relaxation session will help settle attendees’ minds and bodies, and there will also be refreshments and the opportunity to blend your own herbal teabag.

Iain Black of Flow North is also offering a free 45-minute yoga practice prior to the film launch, to celebrate the film’s completion and as a thank you to the many people who have contributed to its making.

The film combines a celebration of Caithness’s nature with a guided relaxation, and features scenes shot at several well-known local green spaces, including Dunnet Community Forest, RSPB Forsinard Flows, and Thurso Community Gardens.

The film-makers hope to encourage people who might not otherwise feel confident about spending time in nature to visit the outdoor spaces featured in the film, where staff and volunteers can be on hand to assist with planning a visit.

By highlighting the support available, the film-makers hope that Caithness’s outdoor spaces can be made to feel more accessible to all.

The film has been developed to accompany a “Tools for Nature Relaxation” workshop. Species on the Edge and Flow North are offering free 45-minute workshops to community groups based in Caithness who may benefit from learning techniques to enjoy the therapeutic effects of time spent in nature. Workshops will cover:

• fast facts about the science behind how time spent in nature benefits our wellbeing;

• mindful activities to help make the most of your time in nature;

• breathing techniques to help settle body and mind;

• a screening of the Caithness Nature Relaxation Film.

The number of workshops available is limited and will be prioritised on a first come, first served basis.

Louise Senior, people engagement officer for Species on the Edge, said: “Evidence shows that time spent connecting with nature can do amazing things for your wellbeing, but learning to make and appreciate that connection is a skill that can be tricky for some people to master.

“Even people who think of themselves as ‘outdoorsy’ can miss out on some of those benefits because they may have a tendency to rush along and forget to slow down and notice the small things.

“With our ‘Tools for Nature Relaxation’ workshops, we hope to share a few tips and techniques that can support people with that process.”

Both the yoga practice and the film launch are free events, but places are limited and booking at bookwhen.com/flownorth is essential.

People are advised that access to Flow North Studio at 3 Grove Lane, Thurso, is via two flights of stairs. For more information about the film launch event or workshops, email louise.senior@plantlife.org.uk

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