Take a walk on the wild side with Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust

As part of #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek a new initiative has been launched to help businesses support their staff’s mental health and wellbeing when returning to work by closely connecting them with nature.

The Melton Building Society has supported Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust (LRWT) to launch their new ‘Wild Wellbeing Walks’.

The walks, facilitated in the beautiful and calming surroundings of Rutland Water Nature Reserve, will provide the opportunity to learn more about LRWT’s important conservation work, experience the amazing Rutland Ospreys and to enjoy a relaxed guided walk amongst the calm sights, sounds and wonders of nature.

Visiting staff will also be treated to a locally sourced lunch at LRWT’s  Volunteer Training Centre where they can witness a variety of rare birds across one of the reserve’s  lagoons. They will also leave with tips and advice on how to continue their wild journey and support nature’s recovery. .

The Melton has helped fund the production of an exciting new publication called ‘Your Guide to the Wild places of Leicestershire and Rutland’, which lists everything people need to know about visiting the LRWT’s nature reserves and will be given to every participant on the Wild Wellbeing Walks.

The Melton will also be running several initiatives to help raise ongoing funds for LRWTand raise awareness of the Wildlife Trust’s work, including an LRWTmembership offer and free wildlife packs for children who open one of their ‘Wild Ones Young Saver Accounts’. They will also be encouraging their own staff to engage with nature by being the first to take part in a Wild Wellbeing Walk.

Simon Taylor, Chief Executive of the Melton said:  “The Society has championed sustainability in creating mortgage and savings products that recognise eco-friendly behaviour for many years, so forging a relationship with our local Wildlife Trust was a natural connection for us. We are very excited to be able to build on our green initiatives by encouraging enjoyment of the natural world and increasing awareness of the fantastic work of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust.”

Tim Graham, CEO of Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust said:  “We understand that people have found the last year very difficult mentally. Despite this, they have connected with nature and benefited. We are delighted to offer organisations the opportunity to provide their staff with a positive and unique experience and help improve their wellbeing through these guided walks.

We are really excited about our partnership with The Melton; they continue to be great supporters of our charity and lead by example in supporting nature’s recovery in their community”

All proceeds raised from the Wild Wellbeing Walks will help fund the vital work Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust are doing to protect local wildlife and wild places across Leicestershire and Rutland.

A day’s facilitated walk, lunch and activities for up to ten members of staff start from £500, with every participant leaving with a 110 page guide to Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust Nature Reserves.

To find our more or to express your interest email wellbeingwalks@lrwt.org.uk or visit lrwt.org.uk/wellbeingwalks