in action
WE ARE OPEN FOR SELF-REFERRAL NOW!
To join our 2025 programme and discover how a connection with blue space can change your life complete the form and turn the tide today.
Introduce Blue Space Activity into your life…
2025 is the year to enhance your life with a connection to the amazing blue spaces in the Highlands of Scotland. Our relationship with water is built into our DNA and, with the office-based, ‘dry-land’ lives we now live, that connection we once had to the sea, rivers and lochs has taken its toll. Our mission is to reconnect people with blue spaces, to build resilience and mental focus.
You can self-refer to our activity programme in 2025 where we will work with you to find your best blue space, whether it is on the beach, by the river, on a paddle board or journeying along the coast in a kayak. Our sessions are FREE once you are accepted on to our programme.
Alternatively you can also contact one of the providers we have listed above and contact them direct. They are all carefully chosen for their approach and will make sure you truly benefit from your reconnection with nature.
- Calming Influence: Water has an inherent ability to induce a sense of calm and tranquility. The gentle lapping of waves, the soothing sound of running water, or the peacefulness of a still pond can trigger a relaxation response in the human brain. This calming influence helps reduce stress levels, promote a feeling of serenity, and alleviate anxiety.
- Connection with Nature: Being near water allows individuals to connect with nature in a unique and immersive way. The sights, sounds, and smells associated with water environments create a multisensory experience that fosters a deep connection with the natural world. This connection has been linked to improved mood, increased feelings of vitality, and a sense of being part of something larger than oneself.
- Mindfulness and Reflection: Water environments provide an ideal setting for mindfulness and reflection. Whether it’s watching the ebb and flow of tides, observing the play of sunlight on water surfaces, or simply gazing into the horizon, these experiences encourage individuals to be present in the moment. Such mindfulness practices are known to enhance mental clarity, focus, and a sense of gratitude.
- Physical Activity and Well-being: Engaging with water often involves physical activities such as swimming, kayaking, or even leisurely walks along the shore. Regular physical activity has well-established benefits for mental health, including the release of endorphins, improved sleep quality, and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Stress Reduction: The mere presence of water has been associated with stress reduction. Studies have shown that environments with water elements can have a positive impact on the autonomic nervous system, leading to decreased physiological indicators of stress, such as lower heart rate and blood pressure.
- Restorative Environments: Water is often considered a “restorative environment” that facilitates recovery from mental fatigue and enhances overall well-being. Time spent in or near water provides a break from the demands of daily life, allowing individuals to recharge mentally and emotionally.
Fundraising
Our fundraising efforts are focussed on supporting those in need to experience the well-being benefits of blue space for free where possible.
Activities
Our activities are designed around the NHS Five Steps to Wellbeing, providing an excellent insight into how water-based activity can affect mood and emotional wellness.
Partnerships
Our funders are committed to supporting the wellbeing of the communities of the Highlands. Our providers are all mental health first aid trained and are highly skilled coaches with a genuine empathy for those new to paddling.
Our Partners
