Outdoor workshop aims to lift children's wellbeing

Children aged between five and 12 took part in the event

Young people have been enjoying nature at an outdoor workshop designed to teach them skills that boost mental and physical wellbeing.

Children aged between five and 12 took part in the event in the National Trust grounds at Lanhydrock near Bodmin, on Wednesday.

Run by Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, a series of stations were set up to encourage children to learn ways to manage their feelings through mindful activities in the open air.

Laurence Harvey, volunteer and community manager at Lanhydrock, said the National Trust wanted to share its natural assets as "it's a wonderful way to enjoy the countryside".

Learning new skills

Mr Harvey added the workshops were "tapping into the original mindset of the National Trust and creating access to the natural world".

The children were able to sign up themselves for the event, after being told about the Wild Wellbeing project at school.

The trust said the focus at the workshops was on five steps to wellbeing, which include connecting with others, being active, learning new skills, giving back to nature and paying attention to the present.

Children created art using natural materials such as leaves, twigs and pebbles, as well as bird feeders using apples with sunflower seeds and string.

Among those taking part, Rex, 6, made a wand using a twig and coloured thread, and said "it is good to be outside", while Oliver decorated a stick with wool and said: "I like being outside even when it is wet."