A new exhibition in Alyth Library from this Saturday (20th March) showcases the outcomes of the successful “Attuned With Earth” (A.W.E.) project, part-funded by Alyth Development Trust, that has been running in the Den of Alyth over the past 10 months.
From last June until this month, the A.W.E. project has transformed the Den into a welcoming space for wellbeing, connection and community. Facilitated by Dorota Kiedrowska from Nature Minds and Kelly McIntyre from Present Focus CIC, this innovative programme has opened the woodland to diverse groups, enabling nearly 100 people to experience the restorative benefits of nature, regardless of age, gender, background or ability. Free transport was provided for organised groups to remove barriers to participation. Individuals and groups traveled from near and far: Alyth, Blairgowrie and Rattray, Coupar Angus, Meigle, Kirriemuir, Forfar and Arbroath, but also Dundee, Crieff, Perth, Glasgow, Edinburgh and even the Isle of Skye for this experience.
Participants came from a wide range of backgrounds, including asylum seekers, refugees, ESOL learners and those facing health challenges like mobility issues or cancer diagnoses. Nationalities represented included Scottish, Irish, English, Polish, Ukrainian, Yemeni, Eritrean, Afghan, Sudanese, Botswanan, Egyptian, Algerian, Syrian, Pakistani, Bulgarian and Latin American. Their ages ranged from 16 to over 60. Despite their differences, everyone shared a desire for calm, rest, connection and a sense of belonging.
The photo exhibition in Alyth Library showcases participants’ mindful photography and reflections, celebrating creative attention to nature, its seasonal shifts, reciprocal connection and those fleeting moments of awe and joy that the woodland so generously offers. The exhibition runs until Friday 10th April before travelling to other local venues. Organisations, care homes, schools, libraries, churches or cafés interested in hosting it can email dorota@natureminds.co.uk.
A.W.E. offered inclusive, sensory-rich, guided activities designed to nurture mental and physical health such as silent walking, hammocking, mindful photography, journaling, shared reflections, tree-assisted movement and shared time for tasting wild tea and healthy treats, often sparking renewed creativity and a deeper appreciation for the natural environment. Many reported immediate benefits – feeling calmer, more grounded and experiencing a “magical” sense of quieting the mind.
Beyond individual wellbeing, A.W.E. strengthened community cohesion. Sessions helped people build confidence and familiarity with the Den of Alyth, encouraging repeat visits and long-term stewardship. Couples, newcomers, visitors, returners and long-term residents came together, sharing experiences and forming new friendships.
Another key legacy of A.W.E. is a free Forest Bathing Pocket Guide available in English, Polish, and Ukrainian. This simple resource encourages solo, family and group exploration, extending the programme’s impact beyond guided sessions.
Supported by Scottish Forestry and Alyth Development Trust, the A.W.E. project has fostered a shared love for the Den of Alyth – a space for everyone to breathe, rest and reconnect, remembering that nature is always there for us, supports us unconditionally, and that we are part of it. As one participant reflected: “This is amazing. We’re shocked! We’re so busy that we don’t ever do this, but we could bring our children and have a picnic and play in the woods together.”
