Sensory Walk in Carnanton Woods Supports People with Sight Loss in Newquay

Nature Walk Helps Break Down Barriers for Blind and Partially Sighted in Newquay

A group of blind and partially sighted people have been able to reconnect with nature thanks to a sensory walk held in Carnanton Woods near St Mawgan – with support from both of Newquay’s Lions clubs.

The event was organised by iSightCornwall, the county’s dedicated sight loss charity, and designed to help tackle isolation while encouraging physical activity and wellbeing.

A Sensory Experience in Carnanton Woods

Guided by iSightCornwall’s Sensory Advisor Maria Hocking, the walk was tailored specifically for people with sight loss. As they made their way through the woodland, Maria described their surroundings and shared how certain plants and seeds could be eaten or even used for household cleaning.

The walk focused on heightening the senses beyond sight — taking in the sound of the wind and stream, the scent of woodland flowers, and the textures of leaves and trees.

iSightCornwall’s Wellbeing Co-Ordinator Sophie Butcher said:

“Keeping active is good for both our physical and mental wellbeing yet over 50% of blind and partially sighted people feel limited in the activities they can take part in.

Because of this we are always looking for opportunities to help prevent isolation and thanks to the support of Newquay Towan Blystra Lions we were able to organise this wonderful walk with Maria.”

Local Lions Step In to Help

The Newquay Towan Blystra Lions donated £300 to fund the walk and provided volunteer members to act as guides. After a short training session with iSightCornwall, they accompanied the charity’s members through the woods, describing the natural surroundings and helping participants explore plants and textures.

The Newquay Lions club also stepped up, providing a minibus and driver at a very discounted rate to ensure that everyone could attend.

iSightCornwall member and trustee Beatrix said:

“I really enjoyed the walk, being out in nature is one of my favourite things – I would live in the woods if I could! It makes such a big difference, getting out and about and using all of our other senses to explore.

Maria our guide was incredible, we have learned so much and I would like to say a big thank you to the iSightCornwall team for arranging today and also the Newquay Towan Blystra Lions and the Newquay Lions for supporting the walk.”

A Shared Commitment

Phil Bunt, First Vice District Governor for the Lions in the Southwest and a member of Newquay Towan Blystra Lions, said:

“We have been delighted to help iSightCornwall put the walk on in Newquay. Eye sight is so important to the Lions as an organisation, we have 1.4 million Lions across the world and one of the service activities that is so important to them in every single country is vision and so being able to put something back into it at a local level, and see the reaction from those who are visually impaired to being able to come out into the environment like this has been really worthwhile.”