Silver Saplings Adventures: Enhancing Wellbeing and Social Connections Through Nature-Based Activities for Older Adults in Rural Scotland

The sun shone brightly last week on our Silver Saplings birdwatching outing at the Lossie Estuary and Loch Spynie. The event, part of the Silver Saplings Adventures (SSA) programme, is the nature-based wellbeing initiative led by us … Wild Things! Environmental Education in Action.

A recent study by researchers from Robert Gordon University (RGU) has highlighted the significant benefits of this outdoor initiative for older adults living in rural areas of North East Scotland. Dr Nick Adams and Dr Emma MacIver, Research Fellows at the School of Health, co-led the study and praised the programme’s positive impact.

“Our research demonstrates that the Silver Saplings Adventures programme plays a crucial role in mental stimulation and personal growth,” said Dr Adams and Dr MacIver. “Participants reported that the programme not only enhanced their knowledge of nature and local environmental issues but also fostered social connections and community engagement. This, in turn, led to improved wellbeing, skill development, and social cohesion.”

The Silver Saplings Adventures programme continues to support older individuals in connecting with nature, learning new skills, and strengthening social ties within their communities, contributing to healthier, more active lives in rural Scotland.

Read up on our other news

Our new CEO – Holly Willmott

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Holly Willmott as our new Chief Executive Officer, marking an exciting new chapter as we prepare to celebrate our 25th anniversary. Holly,…

Our little explorers

A single piece of tree bark can be home to an entire miniature world! Tiny creatures such as beetles, spiders, woodlice, centipedes, springtails and even microscopic mites all use the…

The Hidden Worlds

Our amazing searchers found all sorts of fantastic things at the Hidden Worlds holiday club… we were looking for invertebrates, exploring with UV torches and kick sampling for invertebrates in…