09/07/2026
Celebrating our first Nature Connection cohort
We've just wrapped up the first round of Nature Connection sessions for the Mobilising Community Action Scotland (MCAS) project, and wanted to share how it went.
30 women took part — 14 from SHAWN (Sharpen Her African Women's Network) and 16 Arabic-speaking women supported by WSREC (West Scotland Regional Equality Council). Over the sessions, the groups explored local parks, swapped memories of nature from home, and talked through some of the barriers to accessing greenspace in Scotland.
The standout was a joint trip to Balloch Country Park at Loch Lomond. National Park Rangers guided the groups round the loch and through some of the ancient woodland, and the day finished with a meal from Afro-fusion Cuisine.
Read the full story, with reflections from participants and photos, here: https://mcas.org.uk/first-nature-connection-sessions-cohort-complete/
If you're thinking about a nature trip for your own community group — the Loch Lomond Rangers offer support for visits, and there's an online calendar and booking form for scheduling. Groups may also qualify for a travel grant to cover transport costs.
Check available dates and request Ranger support here: https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/park-authority/how-we-can-help/outdoor-learning/support-for-your-visit/
We have completed our first round of Nature Connection sessions for the MCAS project, working with 30 women from two community groups: 14 women from SHAWN (Sharpen Her African Women's Network) and 16 women from the Arabic-speaking world, supported by WSREC (West Scotland Regional Equality Council).
