Learn something new – and make friends in the process – with one of the many health-benefiting courses, projects or volunteering schemes throughout the county
Healthy hobbies
Brighton Dog Photography
Five ways to embrace an active social lifestyle wherever you are in Surrey…
Head outdoors
Whatever your preferred exercise, taking it outside comes with multiple health benefits: it can be lower impact on your joints and it has been shown to improve mental wellbeing. Try a stroll around Farnham’s Heritage Trail – a circular route, taking in the historic sites of the Surrey town. (farnham.gov.uk)
Prefer to run?
Then grab a four-legged companion and sign up to your nearest Canicross group – an off-road running club that uses a hands-free harness and bungee line to allow you to run with your dog in complete safety. Try the sessions on the North Downs among others – all abilities are catered for. There is also a ‘Couch to Canicross’ option to help you complete your first 3km (dogfit.co.uk).
Do It Yourself (together)
Why work in your shed alone when you could join like-minded hands-on types and share practical interests ranging from carpentry, joinery and welding to model engineering, at the county-wide Men in Sheds sites? There are schemes at Elmbridge, Caterham, Merstham, Redhill and Spelthorne to name but a few. Got a task you’re struggling to tackle? There’ll be someone with the expertise to help. Women are welcome – although the sheds are predominantly male-based, and, the best bit: the kettle’s always on for a cup of tea! (menssheds.org.uk)
Grow your own
Home-grown produce not only tastes good but is better for you too as fresh-from-the-ground food is typically richer in vitamins then add to that, the fact that an hour of gardening can burn up to 400 calories! No idea where to start? Allotments are often available through your local council or there are several community farm projects which are always in need of an extra pair of hands. (derrysfieldallotment.moonfruit.com)
Volunteer
Get fit and help a good cause all in one go by signing up to become a Surrey Wildlife Trust Hedgerow Hero. Launching this autumn, volunteers will help map, conserve and plant hedgerows across the county – important as these green borders not only provide habitats but also safe travel routes for wildlife. (surreywildlifetrust.org.uk)
Time for you…
Claire Thompson, author of The Art of Mindful Birdwatching, celebrates the meditative benefits of birdwatching. Where to go? Bookham Common is good at any time of the year – watch for waterfowl, kestrel, sparrow hawk and buzzard, nightingales and, come winter, hawfinches. Or, take a look out of your window.
Mindful seeing
Imagine yourself as an artist. Pretend you’re encountering the bird you’re seeing for the first time and that you’d like to paint it. What would you need to know? What shape is its body and beak? What colours can you see on its feathers? Notice its gait and flight pattern.
Mindful listening
This involves experiencing the sounds around us – taking the focus away from labelling what we hear, while bringing our awareness to the features of the sound itself. Do you notice differences between individual birds?
Mindful connection
Wherever we live, the bird species we encounter – as well as their colours, songs and behaviours – will change throughout the seasons. Notice which birds you can see and when. Can you hear different calls and songs? Do you notice any changes in their plumage or behaviours? August is a wonderful month for migratory swallows, blackcaps and warblers plus residents including robins, thrushes and woodpeckers.
- The Art of Mindful Birdwatching by Claire Thompson (£8.99, Leaping Hare Press)
Celebrate craft
The benefits of learning a new skill are well researched – it can improve memory, sharpen reflexes and boost mood. Take up a craft and you’ll have something physical to show for your efforts.
Mole Valley Lacemakers, Fetcham
Nimble-fingered experts have been gathering at this friendly and informal group for 34 years, to skill share over tea and cake. All abilities are welcome – more experienced members will happily teach the art of making bobbin lace on a one-to-one basis. (surreycommunity.info/molevalleylacemakers)
The Leatherhead Institute
Create your own capsule wardrobe with the eight-session ‘Introduction to Dressmaking’ course which starts next month with pattern reading, adjusting and cutting, before progressing on to the completion of a wearable garment. (wea.org.uk)
Sarah Louise Dix Upholstery, Godalming
Have fun with fabric, while learning how to revive a footstool or dining room chair during one of upholsterer Sarah Dix’s one-day workshops. Or join the 10-week course for project-specific guidance. (sarahlouisedix.co.uk)
The Portable Pottery, Milford
Inspired by The Great Pottery Throw Down? Head to the garden studio of potter Catherine Waterhouse and learn how to make your own ceramics at her monthly evening social classes. Private tuition is also available. (theportablepottery.com)
Mosaic Happy, Farnham
Who better to help you craft a garden focal piece than contemporary mosaic artist and Surrey Artist of the Year 2016, Denise Jaques. Try a one- or two-day workshop or attend the Pay-As-You-Go sessions for ongoing tuition. (mosaichappy.co.uk)
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