18th October 2019

Alzheimer's Support has launched a third Muddy Boots outdoors group - this time in the rural north of the county near Chippenham.

The group will meet fortnightly at LongBarn, Stanton St Quintin, to explore the grounds, interact with animals and take part in nature-related craft and activities.

Apple-pressing and feeding the chickens were highlights of the afternoon at the first meeting this month. 

Group facilitator Pam Ollis said: "It was great to see everyone there and we had a good turnout for our first session.

"We were lucky with the weather and had a walk around the grounds in the sunshine before retreating inside to press apples as the heavens opened. The juice was delicious and everyone got to take some home."

The group is the third Muddy Boots group run by Alzheimer's Support in Wiltshire. Many of the sessions will be led by the owner of Longbarn, occupational therapist Elizabeth Schwenk.

The other groups run at Bemerton Heath in Salisbury, in partnership with Forager's Farm, and at Avebury  in East Wiltshire. A fourth, also run with Forager's Farm, is due to open in the spring of 2020.

The groups are designed to give people living with dementia and a family carer the opportunity to interact with the natural environment, enjoy the great outdoors and make new friends.

No experience is needed to take part, although it will be particularly beneficial to people who have enjoyed outdoor work and gardening in the past.

Volunteers are welcomed to help the groups run smoothly. 

Our Muddy Boots groups 

Book a place online, or to find out more call Sarah Marriott on 01380 739055 or email Sarah.