THURSDAY, 28 DECEMBER, 2023

Photograph attached: Patients checking their nets during the pond survey

Craigmill patients net the benefits of nature

Patients who attend the Craigmill Skill Centre at Strathmartine Centre have been out and about exploring nature as part of their nature prescriptions programme.

The group undertook a pond survey at Crombie Park in November for the Tayside Biodiversity Amphibian and Reptile Group, which is an organisation that helps safeguard amphibians and reptiles throughout Angus and Perth & Kinross.

Astrid Smith, head occupational therapist at Craigmill Skill Centre, said, “Our patients, who have intellectual disability, enjoy the outdoors where they can explore scenery, listen to nature sounds and be active in the preservation of nature. They are an enthusiastic group who enjoy working outdoors on projects led by the Countryside Service and other conservation volunteer groups.

“We love exploring the ponds at Crombie Park, checking and identifying the species we find. This is a popular activity which we have done for the past six years, and we are always surprised at the diversity of our findings. Fish, newts, dragonflies, beetles and pond skaters have been found alongside many other species which we record and publish online to help with maintaining a healthy ecosystem in our ponds and to aid habitat protection.

“Our nature prescriptions programme allows us to demonstrate practical skills to support nature growth and to provide alternative activities away from the Centre, providing confidence and self esteem when working alongside local people.

“Our focus is on the wellbeing of patients to allow them the balance of work placement activities at the Centre, being in nature and doing outdoor activities to demonstrate practical skills, and providing a service to our local community where we can see the benefits of our work to the general public. 

“We have many more nature activities planned and are already looking forward to our pond survey next year.”

Contact:

Louise Wilson

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740718