The Power of Urban "Blue Spaces"

What we learnt from Walsall Family Wellbeing Sessions

Even in the heart of the most industrial areas, when families find a small pocket of nature, the effect is instant and it was amazing to see this up close with families.

A few weeks ago Miranda and I travelled to the bustling town of Walsall in the Black Country. It’s a vibrant, busy urban landscape where opportunities to truly “get into nature” can feel few and far between. We were there to deliver a Let’s Go Outdoors workshop in partnership with the Canal & River Trust, proudly sponsored by Sport England.

💧 Connection at the Water’s Edge

Weeks before we even arrived, the workshops were fully booked. This spoke volumes: urban families are hungry for opportunities to connect with the outdoors and reclaim their local canal spaces.

As the sun broke through the clouds, the water began to sparkle, and so did the mood. It was incredible to watch families—whom many spend most of their time navigated by concrete and traffic—instantly soften as they connected with the environment.

Some highlights from the day:

• Wildlife Spotting: Children became mini-explorers, delighting in spotting Canadian geese and nesting moorhens.

• Quality Connection: Parents and kids threw themselves into towpath activities, learning new wellbeing skills side-by-side.

• Urban Glimmers: We captured some beautiful “glimmers” (tiny moments of joy) from our participants:

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🌧️ Rain or Shine: The Resilience of Play

One of my personal highlights was seeing how nature builds resilience. During our second workshop, the sky turned grey and the heavens opened.

In many settings, a heavy downpour would end the fun. But here? The children didn’t even notice. They were so deep in their flow—creating arts and crafts and laughing—that the rain just became part of the adventure. It proved a powerful point: Getting outside, whatever the weather, is a game-changer for happiness.

📍 Visit the Walsall Wellbeing Trail

Whether you live in a leafy suburb or the middle of the city, your local canal is a sanctuary waiting to be discovered.

Want to try it yourself? You can now experience our Self-Led Wellbeing Trail at Walsall Basin. It’s free, grounding, and the perfect way to find your own “glimmers”.