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OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · 22h

Being outside in nature can support good mental health - reducing anxiety and depression, boosting mood and promoting feelings of calmness.
Small steps count: Even a short walk on a tree-lined street, a visit to a local park, or tending to plants can have a positive impact.
#WorldMentalHealthDay2025

A summery green landscape of trees, meadows and hedgerows. Text over laid reads: "The social interaction and physical exercise is so good for his mental health and he is much calmer and happier after a day out walking with Open Country." - mum of an Open Country member. There is a green heart and a hashtag World Mental health Day 2025

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OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · 28d

Our chief officer David Shaftoe has been interviewed on BBC York ahead of next weekend's make A Difference awards, where he is a finalist for a 'green award'.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Or you can read the whole transcript on our blog, click on link below
www.opencountry.org.uk/open-country...

Georgey Spanswick at Breakfast - David is a finalist in the 'Green' category of the BBC Radio York Make A Difference Awards - BBC Sounds

Georgey meets the finalists of the BBC Radio York Make a Difference Awards for 2025.

www.bbc.co.uk

OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · 29d

We're on a mission to help people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside.
Try out some of our Teesside activities.
* Weekly Tandem Club, Tues eves until end of Oct
* Saturday outings - accessible minibus adventures
T: 07848 257814 or E: [email protected] to find out more.

Four people on tandem bikes pose in a giant wooden frame. Text on the frame reads: Framing the Teesdale Way in Stockton. Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of the river Tees discovered Landscape Partnership.

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OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · 29d

Still time to apply for this exciting role - contact us for a chat on 01423 507227 or E: [email protected]

Countryside Jobs Service @countrysidejobs.bsky.social · Aug 27

Wakefield Countryside Activities Officer with @opencountryyorks.bsky.social based in Wakefield, full-time (job share considered), fixed term position c-js.uk/3UQqMNd

Open Country: Wakefield Countryside Activities Officer advertised with CJS

Based in Wakefield. Job share considered. Salary £27,985 per annum, based on a 40-hour week. Open Country is an inspirational Yorkshire-based charity with operational Hubs in Harrogate, Teesside and…

c-js.uk

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OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · Sep 3

Come and join us with this rewarding role in a friendly team. E: [email protected] or T: 07426716677 for more information.

OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · Aug 22

Want to explore Yorkshire this Bank Holiday Weekend but worried about accessibility?
See our breakfree packs with all the info you need to plan a day out, whatever your ability.
We cover Nidderdale, Selby, York, Harrogate, Leeds and Wakefield.
Download www.opencountry.org.uk/breakfree/-

OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · Aug 19

We managed to get 35 tandems in one place to mark our 35th anniversary!
Our tandem clubs run in Yorkshire, helping people with disabilities to enjoy the fun and freedom of two wheels - thanks to an amazing team of volunteers.
#Disability
#Yorkshire
#Tandems

A large group of tandem cycles are parked together on a car park. Next to them is a tall, white, pennant flag with the words Open Country printed in green.

OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · Jul 10

Our chief officer David was invited to Westminster by Laurence Turner MP for the launch of 'Transforming Mobility', a research paper highlighting ways of making it easier for disabled people to get around.
It's a really interesting document that we hope our legislators can get put into Law.

A man stands in front of Big Ben (A giant clock tower in London) holding a document about accessible transport.

OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · May 6

New allotment season has begun! Our members love it - here's Caroline explaining how it helps her.
"Coming to the allotment really helps me. It’s a nice peaceful atmosphere and I like the smell of the flowers and plants. I like doing things there and I am learning ways to help myself feel better."

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OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · Apr 11

Our members spent a backbreaking day making new paths at Brimham Rocks, in North Yorkshire ready for the Easter weekend rush. We estimate they covered a mile in wood chippings, to make things a little easier for visitors.
Dip, chip and tip... on repeat!

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OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · Mar 20

We're not claiming that coming out with Open Country is the secret to happiness - but just look at these happy faces from our outings!

Find out more about us, and how you can help us make miles more smiles at www.opencountry.org.uk
#InternationalDayOfHappiness

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OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · Mar 18

Thank you for your kind words :)

OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · Mar 17

As well as providing activities for people with disabilities, we provide info about a variety of countryside access issues.
Our Yorkshire ‘Countryside Advice Service’ includes training, access audits, talk, and general advice - from rights of way to supplying contacts for specific queries.

A woman being pushed in a a wheelchair is stuck trying to wheel onto on a bridge because of a small lip between footpath path and planking on the bridge.

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OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · Mar 6

We had a great day out at Beningbrough Hall, near York, for our Harrogate Outings group!
We enjoyed strolling through beautiful Mediterranean gardens and exploring the historic hall.
A lovely accessible mix of nature and history, in glorious sunshine!

A group of people walking through a walled garden with fruit trees, and flower beds full of spring flowers. There is an archway of branches.

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OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · Feb 21

Wakefield Wild About Water group enjoyed a fantastic inclusive dance workshop with DAZL - Dance & Health Charity on Tuesday. What a fun session we had with dance moves suitable for all abilities!
Thanks to Wakefield Council OurYear2024 Culture Grants for the funding for this session.

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OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · Feb 14

We're sharing some heart-warming feedback from some of our members for Valentine's Day.

Everybody deserves to get 'out there' regardless of ability. Our mission is to open up new landscapes for people with disabilities, creating opportunities for them to connect with and enjoy the outdoors.
💚

OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · Feb 10

Our Harrogate Nature Force group had a great day of hedgerow planting, with volunteers from East Keswick Wildlife Trust. Together we planted over 600 trees that will soon turn into a valuable habitat for wildlife.

Two people in the foreground are planting a hedgerow between fields.

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OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · Feb 3

We’re looking for people who love the outdoors to get involved with our new Teesside hub, helping people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside.
Are you interested in joining us – or can you help us spread the word?
Get in touch E: [email protected]

Reposted by OpenCountryYorks

Wildlife and Countryside Link @wclnews.bsky.social · Jan 24

#BigGardenBirdwatch runs today until Sunday🐦‍⬛

Get involved by heading to your garden or balcony, or look out your window to spend an hour connecting with nature & helping build a snapshot of how our wild birds are doing🐦

Read more👇

www.theguardian.com/environment/...

@rspbengland.bsky.social

Nature lovers urged to take part in UK bird count amid fears over climate and disease

Birdwatch survey comes as concerns grow over infection risks posed by garden bird feeders

www.theguardian.com

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OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · Jan 23

2025 is a really exciting year for us!
As well as celebrating 35 years of helping people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside, we're expanding, with a new hub in Teesside!
We can't wait to start running activities later this year. Watch this space . . .

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OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · Jan 17

Hoorah!! We love tree planting - last year, our members planted around 2,000 young trees across Yorkshire.

Three people wearing hi-vis jackets plant sapling trees. The ground is still covered with the remains of snow.

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OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · Jan 17

Great to see you on here!👋

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OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · Jan 16

Our walking group members don't mind the weather - at least our coats are cheerful!
#York #Disability #OutThereTogether
Where is your favourite place for a stroll?

11 walkers pose in front of medieval masonry at York Museum garden. The weather is grey and dull with patches of ice on the ground

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OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · Jan 16

We love taking part and encourage our members to take part too!

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OpenCountryYorks @opencountryyorks.bsky.social · Jan 16

Thank you so much - every little helps, as they say!