Use this tool when you need to

• See nature using your other senses and start appreciating nature’s magnificent complexity.
• Tune into bio-scapes and increase your awareness of acoustic pollution

Steps

1. Get into pairs: 1 person will be blindfolded for a guided nature walk by their partner for 5 minutes, then you will swap.
2. The sighted partner will silently walk their blindfolded peer slowly and carefully for around 2 minutes—only speaking where necessary to let them know to watch their step or moving them to avoid collision. The blindfolded peer will “tune” into nature, observing different sounds, smells, sensations (wind, sun, shade, humidity etc.).
3. After around 2 minutes the ‘sighted’ partner will curate a more tactile experience for their blindfolded peer by guiding them to touch nature without words or descriptions. For example, you may pick up a leaf and put it in your partner’s hand to feel; or gently touch their face with the leaf. You may put your partner’s hands on the bark of a tree, or kneel down to touch the grass, sand or soil, or gently run a small stone across the palm of their hand.
4. Continue the walk for another 1-2 minutes before taking off the blindfold and swapping. Please try not to harm any species and note that you and your partner should not be engaging in a dialogue or conversation during this process until after the exercise is complete.