Active Creative was a co-design project, working with community groups, in Banff and Macduff to merge physical and creative activity to promote mental health and wellbeing. The project was part of the North East Culture Collective Network, partnering with with Live Life Aberdeenshire and the Vinery, Aberdeen Foyer.

Between summer 2023 and spring 2024, creative nature walks and workshops with local residents and community groups took place. A steer group was formed to input varying voices from the community, including Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership, Banff Fire Station, Four Pillars, Penumbra and NHS Grampian.

Walks were slow and gentle, guiding a five sense and playful approach to walking. Wandering, drawing and recording meaningful encounters with nature, building a walking-diary of place together.

We walked together, and separately with distance. Allowing for short walks on our door step to further afield coastal routes. Photos, recordings and videos were captured, weaving creative conversation around place. Each walk was guided by a seasonal nature theme for participants to respond to while walking outdoors or from home. Creative activities were invited during the wanders to connect with nature, capturing sounds, micro life forms, textures of the weather, colours, elements and wildlife.