PROJECT UPDATE JANUARY 2012:
Great Outdoors arranged 3 Nordic Walk taster sessions at different park locations: all were well attended and attracted positive feedback. The project hopes to launch a bigger programme in 2012.
- The Physical Activity Alliance is working on an action plan for 2012 (a partnership group focusing on mass participation in parks and open spaces to improve health).
- The Harvest Festival and Winter Celebration encouraged people to learn about outdoor nature activities, local foods and bushcraft, and was attended by over 1,400 people over 3 days.
- Collaborations have continued with Knowsley Walks Steering Group; Get Growing on Towerhill Community Garden, Pedal Away, Knowsley Physical Activity Steering Group and Friends of Court Hey Park.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Great Outdoors works with local people - particularly those with health problems - using native wildflowers in local green spaces, community areas and allotments.

We are developing creative physical activities, such as sowing wildflower seed, walks to enjoy and identify plants, seed collection, volunteering to work with plants, visits to other nature sites, and joining some of the National Wildflower Centre's environmental activities.

Key Outputs for the project:
- 5.5 hectares of wildflower improvements to greenspaces in Knowsley
- Public involvement in practical environmental activities
- Creating an exciting events programme with other project partners
- Workshops for health workers and employers
- Volunteer wildflower taster sessions
- A new health and environment partnership in Knowsley to promote good practice and new ideas

Great outdoors is working with the National Wildflower Centre and 7 other partner projects to reach people with specific health problems, particularly in areas of high deprivation in Knowsley.