"I definitely feel more rested and relaxes as well as thinking about how mindfulness can just be doing simple things. Some people think mindfulness is a big complicated thing but it's not!...I felt more curious about looking at things now and things like the fire... (as a result of sessions), I don't rush things as much. I take time to do things now...

My husband has tools that he uses all the time and we work together now. He has shown me how to use (other tools). He said, "I didn't think I'd be showing you how to use a chisel!" He is surprised!

I find the sessions absolutely brilliant! I don't use those words very often. It's great to be in the fresh air...

Definitely would recommend it!"

“I gained skills about survival outside, like fire lighting. It was good being outside, it helps get rid of stresses. Helps you relax instead of being in the house. The cooking on the fire was healthier than being in the house when I live so close to takeaways. Whittling was good to pass the time and helped keep your mind busy too.

It was a great time and made me feel better. I feel more relaed, I used to chew my nails when I was stressed but now I need to cut my nails. My mind is more focused and I spend more time walking the dog, a few times a day. Plus I go a wee jog as well and notice nature more.

Aye, I was already connected to nature but I do enjoy it more now. I look about a lot more now.

I feel like I've got more tools in my toolbox to help me deal with things. I'm not shying away from things now. I used to look into shops and think people looked annoyed at me, a bit of paranoia. Now I don't. Before I was more socially isolated. Going to Woodland Wakeup and talking to other folk, sitting round the fire and chatting has helped.

Sessions were educational, fun and encouraging."

"I gained a bit of peace...It was such a laid back thing. I do a lot of walking and biking that was just functional. Now I take more time to appreciate what is around me. Taking in more smells, noises and block off all the 'real man-made world' and just enjoy nature. I'm able to put the stresses of life to one side and relax a bit more.

I loved it...I'm hoping we can work together a lot more in the future & develop more activities to benefit ARC. I would like to volunteer with Woodland Wakeup out with the ARC sessions."

"...It has been good to have an opportunity to encourage myself to go outside and do more crafts in a mindful and supported environment. I tried some crafts that I had not done before. I learned more things that I can do to relax.

...(I) definitely (feel more connected to nature) - I think as my mental health got worse I distanced myself from everything and I distanced myself with nature as well. It has helped me reconnect with things that I feel out of touch with...

...I really enjoyed (the sessions) and I think they have definitely been good for my mental health and I would love to do them again. I definitely would recommend it."

"I have benefitted first off, from being encouraged to spend more time outside. Also I have met new people in a far less stressful situation that in the 'classroom' which has made it easier to interact with them. I have also been reminded of things I used to enjoy in the past.

(As a result of Woodland Wakeup sessions) I have managed to focus on and finish projects, something I often struggle to do. I find it stressful even sitting down in public. However I attempted to go on a hammock.

...I think it is the setting and the smaller groups (that helps me to come out of my shell). When there are 20 folk round a table, it is not conducive to speaking. I am not good at speaking. When you are doing something with your hands it feels more like casual conversation. I feel more able to talk and more confident.

...I think there is a whole thing that it is a shared experience. When you are in a classroom the focus is on what you say and do but at Woodland Wakeup you end up talking about the same things but it is not because someone has asked you the question. It is more organic.

...I do feel more appreciative of (nature) and knowledgeable about it...I made some good connections with other people on the course and the lovely staff...(the sessions) were the highlight of my week and I'm really going to miss them. I already have (recommended Woodland Wakeup's services) and I'm sure I will again.

(Five words to sum up time at sessions:) Supported: Safe: Cosy: Encouraged: Awesome"