Barefoot Elements: A Day of Connection with Nature and Health

Thanks to the support of the National Lottery Community Fund, Nourish NI's Good Food for All volunteer programme brought together families for a unique outdoor event—Barefoot Elements – Ultimate Frisberry. Led by our amazing volunteer Michael, this half-day event, held in mid-September at the stunning Lord and Lady Dixon Park Gardens in South Belfast, was a celebration of health, wellbeing, and education. It highlighted the connection between nature, outdoor play, and human well-being in a fun and interactive way.

Connecting with Nature: Health and Well-being through Barefoot Walking

Despite the less-than-ideal weather, the event got off to a strong start as participants—both adults and children—gathered to learn about the interconnectedness of nature and health. Michael kicked off the day by introducing the group to the importance of reconnecting with nature, both physically and mentally. A key element of this was barefoot walking, which has been shown to increase antioxidants, reduce inflammation, and improve sleep. What better way to experience these benefits than by diving straight into the outdoors?

The first activity took participants into the wooded area of Lord and Lady Dixon Park Gardens, where they kicked off their shoes and ventured out to forage for seasonal blackberries. Walking barefoot over the earth was not only invigorating but also offered everyone a chance to connect with the ground beneath their feet, feeling the textures and temperatures while experiencing the health benefits first-hand.

The Season of the Berry: Nutrition from Nature

The focus wasn’t just on the barefoot experience! As the group collected juicy blackberries, they also learned about the nutritional value of this seasonal superfood. Packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, blackberries offer a wealth of health benefits. From heart health to boosting the immune system, these berries are a natural powerhouse of goodness, making the foraging experience both educational and delicious.

Education Meets Play: The Power of Peer-to-Peer Learning

Once the blackberries were harvested, the group returned to the starting point for the next part of the day. Here, the children were treated to an educational session that combined storytelling and tasting. Pre-prepared foraged fruits were offered to the children, encouraging them to explore new flavours and learn about nature’s offerings. This peer-to-peer learning environment was a wonderful way for children and parents alike to engage with the topic of nutrition in an interactive and enjoyable manner.

To round off the day, everyone took part in the final activity: a lively game of barefoot Frisbee! The competition was fierce, with both adults and children having an incredible time running around, laughing, and enjoying this unique game that combined physical activity with nature.

Kiri and her son Jonah, who took part in the event, summed it up perfectly: “This has been the most fun my son has had in a long time, and so different and unique to other events he has done.”

A Day to Remember

Barefoot Elements was not just about physical health; it was about building community connections, exploring the natural world, and learning how nature can benefit both our minds and bodies. By blending education, play, and practical skills, the event offered something for everyone, and we hope it will inspire families to spend more time outdoors, learning from the world around them.

Thank you to everyone who participated, and a special thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund for making this event possible. We look forward to see what Michael has in store for future events that brings together community in fun, healthy, and meaningful ways!