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Mindful Month In The North York Moors National Park This September

Woodland at Falling Foss - credit Visit Britain

Yoga classes in the grounds of Gisborough Priory, sunset meditations on Whitby beach, forest bathing in Dalby Forest and art workshops in Helmsley Walled Garden are just some of the events lined-up for Mindful Month in the North York Moors National Park this September.

The National Park first designated September as Mindful Month four years’ ago as a way of highlighting the number of ways people can boost their wellbeing in beautiful locations within and surrounding the North York Moors before welcoming in the autumn and winter.

This year visitors can join one of the free yoga classes being offered during September by The Pavilion at Lastingham where people can explore many different types of the meditative practice; or they can join sessions at Gisborough Priory, Whitby Beach or Saltburn.

Yoga & Spice - Valley View Retreats

Alternatively they can join one of the novel events which combine yoga with jogging at Great Fryup Dale or Runswick Bay; a sensory nature walk at Nunnington Hall; and a creative writing session in Helmsley Walled Garden.

Nature’s ability to nourish the body and soul will be harnessed when Forest Bathing UK founder Faith Douglas leads small groups in Dalby Forest including a special taster session for children.

Similarly Alison Goodwin from Adventures for the Soul will lead sensory and mindfulness walks through nature-rich locations at Hayburn Wyke and Ravenscar on the coast and inland at Rievaulx Abbey and Rosedale.

“We’re delighted to see so many National Park locations being used during this year’s Mindful Month.

Alison has also joined forces with Yorkshire Coast Nature for a Twilight Nature Sounds Safari at Ellerburn, an experience that promises to pause normal life and tune in people’s senses more acutely to the natural world around them as the group strolls through the woods and along the riverside as darkness falls.

After-dark experiences also include a stargazing meander through Dalby Forest in the company of expert astronomer Richard Darn.

Painting and drawing can be incredibly absorbing and relaxing, even more so when the setting is the tranquil grounds of Helmsley Walled Garden where talented artists Lesley Seegar and Clare Carlile will help participants create nature-themed artworks.

Alternatively visitors can head to The Moors National Park Centre at Danby and revel in the peaceful atmosphere of the Inspired by…gallery’s Responses to Nature exhibition or join artists Peter Reynolds and James McGairy for one of their painting workshops.

Emily Watson, Visitor Development and Marketing Assistant for the North York Moors National Park says:
“We’re delighted to see so many National Park locations being used during this year’s Mindful Month. Not only do spots like Rievaulx Abbey and Ravenscar tend to have a calming effect anyway but they also form the perfect backdrop for trying out a new mindfulness experience.”

For more information on the Mindful Month programme of events go to www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/mindfulmonth