From April 26-September 26, Abbie continued working with groups in the Lancaster and Morecambe communities, building on connections she began to make at the beginning of the year. There was a strong focus on building connections with established nature groups/organisations that already offered nature and wellbeing sessions in the Lancaster and Morecambe area, to enable participants to "move on", and continue their nature connection after their sessions with the CPAN project came to an end. This maximised the impact of the connections in the community, ensuring the Connecting People and Nature sessions had a legacy for the participants involved.
From April 2026 – October 2026, Abbie has facilitated 35 sessions with groups from Lancaster and Morecambe. There has been a total of 115 new participants take part in this 6-month period totalling 297 attendances. 19 of these sessions were facilitated in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, including Dunsop Bridge, Caton, Beacon Fell, and farms such as Whinney Hill Farm and Salisbury Farm.
For further information email: abbie.hampshire@lancashire.gov.uk
We recently received recognition and appreciation from the Bay Veteran Association for the support provided by Abbie Hampshire through the Connecting People and Nature project:
"I am writing in my capacity as Director of Bay Veterans Association (BVA) to express my appreciation for the excellent support Abbie Hampshire has provided through the Forest of Bowland National Landscape’s Connecting People and Nature project.
Having had the opportunity to meet Abbie and see how she approaches her work with our members, I feel it is important to recognise her professionalism, kindness and consistently positive attitude.
Abbie has demonstrated a genuine understanding of the needs of our veterans, recognising the value that opportunities to engage with nature, participate in new activities and spend time together outside their usual environment can bring to their wellbeing. Her thoughtful approach and willingness to accommodate the needs and interests of our members are particularly appreciated.
Her approach reflects great credit on her personally and on the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. It is particularly encouraging to work with someone who combines professionalism with genuine kindness and consideration for the people she is seeking to support.
On behalf of BVA, I would therefore like to thank Abbie for her continued support and for the care and consideration she has shown towards our Association and its members. We greatly value the opportunity to work with her and look forward to continuing our involvement in this worthwhile initiative."
