RDS is partnering with WWT to run a series of activities, engagements and events with RDS members. These activities and events have been linked to the Blue Prescribing Project – a nature-based programme offering the opportunity for people to be active, take notice of wildlife and connect with other people in a wetland setting, with the aim to improve mental health and wellbeing.
In 2025-26, RDS and WWT have been working together with ceramic artist Katie Spragg to deliver nature, wellbeing and clay activities for RDS members at WWT Welney (Cambridgeshire), WWT Washington (Sunderland) and WWT Caerlaverock (Dumfries and Galloway). Please contact Charlie Harrison (contact@raredementiasupport.org) if you would like to find out more.
The Rare Space cultural programme 2024-2027 is funded by The Linbury Trust.
In 2022, a group of ten RDS members came together to pilot nature and wellbeing activities for people living with rare dementias and over the course of 6 weeks the group met each Monday and ventured out into the wetland – whatever the weather! Luckily the sun came out most days and there were clear skies for spotting birds, cows, sheep, insects and even a lizard! We experimented with a range of activities to help get in touch with the surrounding nature, slow down and explore.
You can see some of the pictures, words and activities captured by the group below. Photos and quotations by RDS members Geraint Davies, Gill McCall, Dave Johnson and Richard, Wendy and Ella Spear
With thanks to Raksha Patel-Calverley and the team at WWT London Wetland Centre.