Loch Lomond campaign launched to form 'deeper' nature connection
It is being centred around the new Nature Hub, a free online resource on the National Park Authority website which is packed with practical guides, local events, volunteering opportunities and inspirational stories.
It has family-friendly outdoor activities and Ranger-led walks as well as tips for everyday actions that can help.
Simon Jones, Director of Environment and Visitor Services at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: 'Our Nature Connections campaign recognises that although the global climate and nature crises can feel overwhelming, meaningful impact can be achieved through individual experiences and personal relationships with nature.
'The campaign highlights how simple, everyday interactions with nature can enhance our wellbeing while also contributing to environmental restoration. Put simply, nature protects us if we protect nature.
'Central to this campaign is our 'Nature Needs Heroes' initiative, celebrating extraordinary individuals whose passion and dedication demonstrate the powerful impact of local, personal action.
'Their inspiring stories remind us that safeguarding our environment isn't just about broad policies, strategies, or targets - it's also about people taking meaningful action locally.
'Each of us can positively influence both our wellbeing and the natural world through everyday actions in nature, and we encourage everyone to find inspiration in these stories and take their own steps towards forging their own nature connections across the National Park.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business News Wales
15-05-2025
- Business News Wales
First Tenants Announced for Mamhilad Park's Wellbeing Hub Initiative
A new Wellbeing Hub is set to open at Mamhilad Park Estate near Pontypool with the first occupiers, Case UK and OH-One, taking an office plus a physiotherapy room. The Wellbeing Hub is being marketed to local and regional organisations looking to start up, scale up or co-locate with other complementary operators. Set in a dedicated wing of Mamhilad House it offers space for up to 15 different businesses with flexible occupancy agreements starting from 140 sq ft and £245 + VAT per calendar month. Mamhilad Park Estate will be the Torfaen and Monmouthshire base for Case UK, which provides mental and physical health and wellbeing services for the employed and self-employed. This includes its 'in-work service' funded by the Welsh Government and provided free to employers and the self-employed to support workplace wellbeing and help people keep working. It provides rapid access to physiotherapy, psychological and occupational therapy. OH-One, which provides occupational health and wellbeing services to businesses across the UK, will have two physiotherapists based at the new suite, providing therapy five days a week. Byron Hayward of Case UK said that while location was the company's primary consideration, the estate's flexible approach had also been key. 'Opening a facility at Mamhilad Park Estate is ideal for us with such great access to Torfaen, Monmouthshire and Newport as well as the 150 different businesses and their 2000 staff who work here,' he said. 'The beautiful natural setting, which fits so well with our wellbeing ethos, plus free parking for our clients, and the affordability made it an easy decision. The team here has been really accommodating and it's been really helpful to be able to move straight into a convenient temporary base here while we work with them on our permanent office.' The Wellbeing Hub is the latest offering at the 140-acre Mamhilad Park Estate, which is already home to a wide variety of sectors, including professional services firms, creative studios, high security businesses, manufacturing, emergency services and NHS healthcare units. Its 1.4million sq. ft of office and industrial space also includes a café, nursery, gym and hair and beauty salons as well as training facilities, meeting rooms and extensive storage facilities. James Crawford is chief executive of Johnsey Estates UK Limited, the estate's owner-managers who are also based on-site. He said they decided to launch the hub because the opportunity for wellbeing businesses has never been stronger. He said: 'Studies consistently show that employees who are in good physical and mental health are more motivated, engaged and productive, and effective health and wellbeing programmes can see productivity increase by up to 20%. 'Mamhilad Park Estate, with our picturesque, landscaped gardens, is the perfect setting for a community of wellbeing businesses. Alongside making sure they are superbly maintained, our focus is on making sure we do all we can to give occupiers a real opportunity to thrive, with flexible, affordable space and terms. 'We are particularly pleased to welcome Case UK and OH-One as our first occupiers at the new Wellness Hub and look forward to seeing the difference that they make to local businesses that access the specialist support and healthcare that is available to them.'
Telegraph
13-05-2025
- Telegraph
Belgian paratroopers shot during Scottish training exercise
Three Belgian soldiers have been injured in a 'shooting incident' during a training exercise in Scotland, Belgium's defence ministry has said. The casualties were rushed to hospital after being 'seriously injured' in Monday's gunfire. Two were said to be stable. Of those, one was expected to undergo surgery before being able to return home. The third soldier was discharged after only suffering minor injuries. Around another 12 soldiers suffered hearing damage as a result of the incident. It is believed there was a misfire during a live ammunition exercise. The incident was reported to have happened during a joint drill at a training centre near Loch Lomond, although the Belgian defence ministry declined to reveal where in Scotland the incident took place. Last week, it was reported that around 600 Belgian armed forces personnel were in Moray for a large-scale operation, Red Condor. A spokesman for the Belgian defence ministry said: 'On May 12, during Exercise Red Condor currently taking place in Scotland, three Belgian soldiers were injured. 'They received first aid on site and were then transferred to a regional hospital. In addition, around a dozen soldiers suffered hearing damage. 'Defence authorities have confirmed that the two soldiers who were seriously injured are now in stable condition. 'They have already been able to speak with their families. One of them will undergo surgery in Scotland before being repatriated to Belgium.' The families of those injured had been informed, the ministry added. An MoD spokesman said: 'We are aware of an incident during an exercise in Scotland involving foreign national military personnel. Our thoughts are with all those affected.' Bart De Wever, the Belgian prime minister, offered his condolences to the injured soldiers and their families on X. 'I have received the sad news that three soldiers from the Third Parachute Battalion were injured during an exercise in Scotland,' he wrote. 'I wish the injured a speedy recovery. My thoughts are with their loved ones.'
BBC News
08-05-2025
- BBC News
West Highland Way walkers become ill after drinking from stream
Some walkers tackling the West Highland Way have become unwell after drinking water from rivers, according to National Trust for Scotland (NTS) said at least nine hikers had suffered vomiting and diarrhoea while walking the popular long-distance route over the past rangers said the people had drunk water from rivers near Balmaha, a village on the shores of Loch of them had taken water from The Burn of Mar, and rangers warned that there were farm animals upstream in the area. In a post on social media, the NTS staff said the hikers' symptoms had only lasted a day or affected had filtered the water first, but rangers advised that boiling the water was a safer warned there were "lots of livestock" upstream of The Burn of West Highland Way starts in Milngavie, near Glasgow, and then winds its way north for 96 miles (154 km) to Fort William in the route's website has a list of the locations of Scottish Water Top Up taps along the way, as well as details on where other provisions are available. Tens of thousands of people travel the West Highland Way every route was established 45 years ago and follows old cattle drover routes and 18th Century military journey takes in the eastern shores of Loch Lomond, crosses the sprawling Rannoch Moor, and up the zig-zag ascent of the Devil's Staircase footpath in Glen Coe, before reaching its final destination in the whole route often takes up to a week, while some people have completed it in shorter times by running or cycling. Mountaineering Scotland, an organisation representing the interests of walkers and other outdoor activity enthusiasts, said people should take precautions around drinking from burns and rivers.A spokesperson said: "In general, being in the Scottish mountains at higher levels above human habitation, the water is safe to drink."But there are some key rules to bear in mind. "It is recommended only to take water from a flowing stream rather than still water, away from paths and people and to avoid sources that are obviously muddy or near or downstream from livestock or where people are camping."Boiling water is the most reliable way to ensure it is safe to drink, and there are various filtering equipment on the market, although performance and longevity is determined by a number of factors."
