1 August 2024 –
LandWork’s dream of creating a new wellbeing support centre on our Quarry Field site has become a reality with the arrival of our beautiful new yurt. Yoga sessions in the yurt are already underway, and we’re full of ideas about the many other ways this peaceful and calming space might be used to support our work reducing reoffending and transforming lives.
Superbly hand-crafted by Yurts for Life in Buckfastleigh, the yurt is made from locally sourced sustainable ash, which is steam bent to produce a curved, rounded roof with a clear covered apex through which you can see the trees. Just looking at it makes us feel good! Inside, there is ample space for yoga and other wellness activities which, thanks to the yurts waterproof winter jacket, thermal linings and wood burning stove, we will be able to offer year-round.
“It has been heartwarming watching this project come together,” said LandWorks Director Chris Parsons. “No sooner did we have the idea than Lilly and Chris offered to run the Exeter Half Marathon to secure the funds, and thanks to the generosity of our supporters we raised over £11,000. We chose a quiet site for the yurt at the back of the project beneath the trees, and Steve and the team set to work clearing it and building a sturdy platform for the yurt to stand on. Yurts for Life erected it in just two hours – it was astonishing to watch our fabulous new wellbeing support centre take shape before our eyes. It really has been a team effort, and we couldn’t be more delighted with the result.”
Among the trainees now enjoying yoga sessions in the yurt is Sam who said, “the ambience is nice. I enjoyed the way the mats were laid out in a circular way. It felt more suitable for yoga.” Chef Mikey agreed, adding, “doing yoga in the yurt you feel more grounded. There’s a lot more space and you feel more together organised in a circle rather than side by side in a row all looking towards the front.” LandWorks team member Steve said “it felt more in touch with nature, especially being surrounded by trees. The air, sunlight and sound of the birds felt good.”
“Having a dedicated space for yoga makes all the difference,” explained LandWorks in-house psychotherapist Becca, who leads the yoga sessions. “Walking from the main part of the site to the yurt allows people to physically and mentally separate from their work tasks and prepare for yoga, leaving shoes outside and stepping in. I’m able to set the mats up in a circle which creates more of a sense of community, connection, and equality. Being on the edge of the site allows us to feel connected to and a part of LandWorks but also more connected to nature and the world beyond.”
For May, who recently joined LandWorks as our Health and Wellbeing Support, the yurt provides a safe and soothing space for the LandWorks team and trainees to relax and reflect, as well as enjoy wellness activities such as the yoga. “It has a very different feel from the rest of the site” she said. “We talked about putting a table in there but decided that wouldn’t be right. Instead, we want to create a textured space with rugs and cushions – somewhere to sink into and hopefully feel a sense of release.”
We can’t wait to show off the yurt at our Annual Supporters’ Day on Friday 16th August. Please email info@landworks.org.uk if you are interested in attending.
