Cornwall Group Promotes Birdwatching for Health and Wellbeing

Cornwall-based group, Connect with Nature is encouraging people to step outside and reconnect with nature through birdwatching, highlighting the benefits it can have on both physical wellbeing and mental health.

“Connect with Nature because it benefits both our physical wellbeing and mental health”, says Rowena Castillo-Nicholls, founder and chair of Connect with Nature.

A Passion for Nature in Cornwall

Rowena Castillo-Nicholls is heavily involved in environmental and wildlife work across Cornwall. She volunteers with the RSPB, where she serves as the Kernow Local Group Leader, Publicity Officer, and Events Organiser, as well as a Pin Badge Box volunteer.

Alongside this, Rowena is a National Trust West Cornwall Countryside volunteer, taking on roles including Chough Nest Protection volunteer, Nature Recorder volunteer, and Coast and Countryside volunteer.

She is also part of the Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society, where she sits on the Board and works as Publicity Officer.

In addition to her volunteering work, Rowena is the author and photographer of Paloresow Kernewek, The Cornish Choughs on the North Cornwall Coast, and is currently working on her next book.

📷Rowena Castillo-Nicholls

Encouraging People to Connect with Nature

The aim of Connect with Nature is to raise awareness and encourage people to spend time outdoors. The group promotes the idea that connecting with nature not only supports physical wellbeing and mental health, but also helps people appreciate the beauty of the natural world while enjoying fresh Cornish air.

One of the group’s key focuses is birdwatching, which is said to offer a range of benefits. These include reduced stress, lower blood pressure, and improved mood, with positive effects often lasting for hours after the activity.

Birdwatching can also act as a form of mindfulness, encouraging focus and cognitive engagement while helping people feel more connected to their surroundings.

Monthly Birdwatching Events Across Cornwall

Rowena has organised three regular birdwatching fieldtrips, all taking place monthly on Sundays:

• Mevagissey Harbour on the second Sunday of the month from 10:30am to 12:30pm
• Ruan Lanihorne, Roseland Peninsula on the third Sunday of the month from 10:30am to 12:30pm
• Towan Head, Newquay on the fourth Sunday of the month from 10:30am to 12:30pm

All of the events are free to attend and are fully funded by Rowena. Refreshments including coffee, tea, biscuits and cakes are provided, and attendees are welcome to stay after the session for a chat.

The group is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, whether they are experienced birdwatchers or simply curious to try something new.

Rowena’s work continues to focus on inspiring others, encouraging more people to discover nature, meet like-minded individuals, and enjoy the experience of birdwatching together.

📷Rowena Castillo-Nicholls