Photo by Oleg Dubyna (Wikimedia Commons)
While I’m pretty good at identifying rockpool creatures and marine mammals, my terrestrial plant knowledge is somewhat lacking. After a few years of killing houseplants, I decided to keep cactuses - as they are impossible to kill (or so I thought).
This was the case until earlier this year, when I started learning all about garden plants and how keep them alive and thriving.
Time in Nature attendees enjoying a walk in nature
I have gained my newfound gardening skills through delivering Time in Nature sessions. These are a joint venture between Cumbria Wildlife Trust and Dignity in Dementia, and offer people with dementia and their companions the opportunity to get outside into nature.
For people with dementia, research shows that meaningful outdoor activity and connection with the natural environment can have a positive effect and can slow down the progression of the symptoms.
I run sessions from Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s beautiful garden at Plumgarths near Kendal. We go for a nature walk around the gardens, observing the impressive variety of plants and animals that live there. Apple trees, yew, turkey tail fungus, meadowsweet, and a beautiful array of butterflies and birds are in the garden.
It’s always lovely to engage people with the natural world, but it’s particularly special when working with people who often struggle to access nature.
John and Liz making a butterfly feeder
We often collect materials such as leaves and flowers for craft activities including cyanotype printing and autumn decorations, and take action for nature, by planting seeds and making butterfly feeders.
One of the nicest things about Time in Nature sessions is that the same people come to multiple events, providing the opportunity to get to know them. Most of the people who attend are in their 70s or 80s, so they have a lifetime of experience and knowledge.
Older memories tend to be much more enduring than short-term memories, which means that despite having dementia, the people who attend often tell me about their careers, families, travels, and gardening tips (it turns out plants like sunlight and water).
Dignity in Dementia run a huge range of events for people with dementia, with the common theme of tea and biscuits running throughout. I’ve been to several of their events over the past few months - in doing so, I’ve tried my hand at various activities, from ceramics to woodland wellness.
Yolanda and Ken playing table tennis
By far my favourite has been the table tennis group! It turns out my PE teacher was wrong, and I am capable of hitting the ball in table tennis. I just needed a competent teacher, and through regular coaching my table tennis skills have come on dramatically.
Laughter and ping-pong balls bounce off the walls as people play. One of the attendees, Ken, had been a professional tennis coach, and, perhaps sensing a player in need of some guidance, has given me a lot of tuition. I’d now say I’m probably an average player among the group. This is quite an achievement for me, even if I am playing against people with dementia, and even more surprisingly, I enjoy it!
The Time in Nature sessions are some of the most rewarding events I do. It’s always lovely to engage people with the natural world, but it’s particularly special when working with people who often struggle to access nature. I’ve also learned so much from the group – gardening, table tennis, and the knowledge that comes from a lifetime of experience (and some of my plants are still alive!).
To book your free place on a Time in Nature session, visit Events | The Bay, or to find out more about Dignity in Dementia’s work, visit Dignity In Dementia.
