New Associate at Climate Action North helps people reconnect with nature and themselves

Valerie de Schaller

Climate Action North has welcomed Valerie de Schaller as Wellbeing and Mindfulness Associate.

In this role, Valerie leads wellbeing walks designed to help people connect with themselves and the natural world. The walks help people notice the sounds, smells, and feel of their surroundings as well as their own bodies, including heartbeat and breathing. The aim is to help people slow down, connect with themselves, and enjoy the natural environment.

Valerie said: "Finding Climate Action North gave me hope for the future. Good people doing positive, practical things to help nature recover, combatting the doom and gloom climate disaster narrative bandied around in the media and society."

She currently runs bi-monthly walks, mainly at Dalton Park, one of Climate Action North’s main sponsors. To expand the organisation’s outdoor wellbeing events across the region, Valerie hopes to take the walks to new locations, including Penshaw Monument, beaches, and the Northumberland countryside, reaching more people and helping them reconnect with nature.

Valerie first became involved with Climate Action North over 18 months ago by attending events, including bookwilding, and completing the CPD-accredited course Rewilding, Nature, and Us, which equips individuals and organisations with the knowledge and tools to act for nature. She is also a member of the North East Rewilding Network, which brings people together to share experiences and collaborate on community rewilding projects of all scales.

Through these experiences plus conversations with Sharon Lashley, CEO of Climate Action North, Valerie went on to become an Associate.

Sharon said: "We’re thrilled to have Valerie on board. Her experience and passion for wellbeing and nature make her a fantastic addition, and we look forward to seeing her help more people reconnect with themselves and the environment around them."

Valerie’s personal experience is central to her work. She moved to the North East three years ago to complete an MA in intercultural communications at Newcastle University. Before that, she instinctively rewilded her garden in Brighton for 19 years, observing the wildlife and plants it attracted. This early connection with nature helped her recover from long-term illness and shaped her belief that people are responsible for their own wellbeing.

In addition to her work at Climate Action North, Valerie is a freelance writer, rewilding advocate, and environmental activist. She is steadily building her network by connecting with local councillors and advising them on nature and wellbeing issues.

Valerie added: "I want everyone who joins a wellbeing walk to feel calm, present, and inspired by the natural world around them. Moments outdoors, whether it’s the sound of birdsong, the feel of the wind, or the scent of wildflowers, can improve mental health, reduce stress, and inspire care for the environment."

For wellbeing walks updates, visit the Climate Action North Eventbrite page.

The time for talking is over, today we need to act.

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