Focus on the Little Things

Service Description

We all know that being out in nature is excellent for our mental health, as is learning new skills, and building community with like minded people - but have you ever really slowed down and focussed in on the immense beauty in nature's tiny microcosms? From microscopic fungi in stick piles and stem heaps, to plant pathogens and the tiny creatures that live alongside them - this session is mindfulness for those who struggle with the idea of mindfulness. An invitation to learn *and* fill your metaphorical cup. We keep education at the core as always, but added to that this is a real lean into what incredible benefits there are in really noticing, seeing, and studying nature on a microscopic level. Using state of the art accessible field kit (including clip on phone microscopes and *origami microscopes!*), as well as more traditional compound and stereo microscopes once we are back in the lab - we will open the door to a side of mycology, and nature more generally, that you have never seen before! We believe that the huge and evidenced benefits of nature engagement, community building,and deep dive hyper-focussed learning, should be available to those who need them most - that is why this course is available to all as part of the social enterprise work undertaken by Petrichor! We are passionate about making nature education and engagement as accessible as possible, and are accepting self referrals from Autistic and/or ADHD adults (either formally diagnosed or self identified), and anyone else who feels it would be of benefit to their mental health - the only cost is your honest feedback on the course after you have attended! Keen teens are welcome on this course, but due to the content it is not suitable for younger children. We have tried to make this as accessible as possible, but if you have specific mobility or access needs please do email us at office@petrichorecology.com so that we can discuss accommodating them.