Ellie is the Upper Hunter Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) project officer, and she’s calling for interested people, like parents with kids, carers looking for a break, disability groups, and older people who are interested in taking time out in the environment for free.

“Getting out of your routine and trying something new is a major focus for us,” she said.

“It’s not about just physical exercise or conservation, it’s more about people having time out, with a focus on themselves and their wellbeing.”

Ellie will host a free information session on Tuesday, March 13, to gauge the local interest level.

Her chosen venue is Karoola Park in Muswellbrook, which runs east-west, just north of the cemetery, including the Karoola Wetlands near the highway and possibly Muscle Creek.

There is also interest in Denman with the possibility of running a Green Gym at Hyde Park, depending on numbers.

The Green Gym activities will totally depend on volunteers’ interests and abilities.

“This program aims to increase people’s wellbeing with gentle to moderate activities, and also to encourage social inclusion/prevent social isolation.

“It’s designed to be gentle and light, with warm-up and cool-down sessions and a free healthy morning tea provided.”

Green Gym activities could include conservation activities like in-fill planting of existing treed areas with native shrubs and grasses, weed removal, wildlife surveys, habitat restoration and seed collection, or to simply walk through the park.

There are also opportunities like bird-watching, native and weed plant identification and possibly a photography competition.

“The program is suitable for everyone and we would especially love to see carers, retirees, families, and farmers getting involved.” 

The Green Gym program will span 10 weeks and transport can be provided.

The first information session is at 11am on Tuesday, March 13, at Loxton House, 142 Bridge Street Muswellbrook.

Contact Ellie Gillett at egillett@cva.org.au or 0408 455 237.