"thriving with the seasons"March 2026
Our Story
Thriving with the Seasons is a National Lottery Heritage funded community wellness programme delivered by Reconnection to Wellness CIC in Darwen Lancashire.
It’s about getting back to what humans have always known: life works better when we live closer to nature’s rhythm. Through seasonal workshops and wellbeing sessions, we reconnect residents with sustainable, seasonal practices rooted in local cultural heritage, including growing food in small spaces, foraging, preserving, traditional crafts, and plant remedies.
Alongside practical heritage learning, we offer reflective wellbeing activities such as mindfulness, meditation and gentle, accessible movement to support health, confidence, and social connection.
The project is community-led and partnership-based, bringing people together to learn, share stories, and create a living archive of local seasonal wisdom, captured through a digital resource and a printed community zine to leave a lasting legacy.
Together We Thrive
Thriving with the seasons
Spring Programme
Free funded sessions | Booking essential
This spring we’re bringing seasonal skills and nature-based wellbeing together across Darwen – with a couple of things in Blackburn.
Expect practical growing and foraging, seasonal food learning, and gentle mindfulness and movement that helps you feel more grounded and connected to nature, your community, and yourself.
Booking link in each section or email dawn@reconnection2wellness.org with the session title(s) you’d like to attend.
Who it’s for
ANYONE! No experience needed. Sessions are gentle, supportive and community-led. Ideal if you want to build confidence, learn seasonal skills, meet people locally, and create healthier rhythms as the seasons change.
Please note:
Wellbeing Wednesdays and Growing Thursdays are booked as block courses (so you get the full benefit and feel part of the group).
More sessions will be announced as we move through the seasons.
Weekly Block Course
Growing Thursdays
12 March–June | 10.30am–12.30pm
Location: Turncroft Allotment / Bud-dees Growing Darwen
Practical, hands-on growing sessions focused on making the most of small spaces (no allotment or big garden needed). We’ll grow skills and confidence together, and we’ll encourage you to learn alongside neighbours and others in the growing community, because this is how we used to live: growing what we can, and supporting each other.
Places are limited so booking essential .
dawn@reconnection2wellness.org
Weekly Block Course
Wellbeing Wednesdays Whitehall Park Community Garden Hut
Taster: 25 March | 1.00–3.00pm
Course: 1 April–20 May | 1.00–3.00pm
Location: Rose Garden Community Room, Whitehall Park
A gentle 8-week Zen & Mindfulness course .Expect to see drops in stress levels, improved mood and an increased sense of wellbeing. The taster session is a chance to try the approach, meet others, and see if you’d like to join the full course.
For more information on this see Reconnection to Wellness CIC website Ancient Wisdom
Book - dawn@reconnection2wellness.org
Events & Workshops
11 March | 1.00–3.30pm
Open Day: Witton Park Greenhouse Project
Tour the greenhouse and market garden, hear local history, and learn why seasonal growing matters. Includes an introduction to the year-long project plus gentle mindful movement.
18 March | 1.00–4.00pm- FOR THOSE BOOKED ON THE GROWING COURSE IN DARWEN
Build Your Own Planter with Shaun Roberts at Whitton Park Greenhouse Project + Zen Taiso
Learn how to build your own planter and take it home ready to use. Finished with Zen Taiso to get mobilised and ready for spring. Nothing needed – just bring yourself. -
22 March | 1.00–4.00pm
Whitehall Park Forage led by Pete, Pendle Plant Craft + Spring Tonic Making & Herbal Tea
A spring forage followed by simple, practical tonic-making and herbal tea to support the season.
11 April | 1.00–3.00pm
Spring Community Cook Up Springvale Church, Darwen with Beccy Jones -Beccy Jones Health Solutions
A friendly cook-up session focused on spring food, simple seasonal learning, and confidence in the kitchen. - MUST BOOK
17 May | 1.00–4.00pm
Bumble Safari Walk (with Vicki, Bumblebee Conservation Trust) | Location TBA
We’ll actively look for bumblebees, identify species, and notice the flowers they’re visiting. A slow-paced walk suitable for all abilities, perfect for anyone interested in bumbles, wildflowers, or simply slowing down and observing the moment.
May (date TBC)
Rooftop Bees at Cherrytree Library (pollinator and biodiversity workshop at their apiary)
MUST BOOK
20 June | Location TBA
Bye Spring, Welcome Summer Forage
Seasonal foraging to mark the turning point into summer, with practical learning and a celebratory feel.