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Woodland rambling and brambling in Newhailes

Hands holding brambles
© Creative Art Works CIC
The aim of the day was to encourage over fifties, and their families from black and ethnic minority groups to experience and enjoy outdoor spaces.

Woodland Rambling and Brambling was an inter-generational event held at Newhailes House in Musselburgh in 2016. The event was designed for “Over 50s, and their families” but open to all ages and developed in partnership with the Forestry Commission and Creative Art Works community integrated care.

People were encouraged to enjoy a gentle ramble amongst the brambles, woodland, open fields and hedgerow and to discover the culinary, therapeutic and creative possibilities of the humble blackberry. The event created a host of outdoor learning opportunities from guided walks to bramble eating and dyeing activities.

"Amazing and mind-blowing. Everything is awesome. I’ve made a bracelet and a Dragonfly leaf painting. Bet if I wasn’t here I’d be at home doing nothing or on the Xbox."

Yaseem, 12 yrs

  • People enjoying Woodland Rambling and Brambling event with Newhailes behind
  • Lady enjoying brambling at Newhailes

Multiple agencies joined the event to create a host of activities for the day or other partners included The Conservation Volunteers, Forestry Commission Scotland Rangers, Beach Wheelchairs and Changeworks.

To reach black and ethnic minority communities the Trust team worked with Edinburgh Gurdwara, Nepal Scotland Association, Ghurka Association Scotland, NSA Women’s Group, Blackhall Mosque, Positive Future Lunch Club, Edinburgh Inter-faith Group, Milan (Senior Welfare Organisation) Ltd, The Minority Ethnic Health inclusion Service, Members of Edinburgh, Bangladeshi, Indian and African communities and University of the Third Age.

The Trust's Community Outreach team helps individuals and families to engage with the natural world, to create health and wellbeing within everyone and expand their understanding of the natural world.

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