Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark to host Unmasking Nature event

Unmasking Nature: bringing together neurodivergent communities, the profound healing potential of the natural world and environmental awareness

Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark are delighted to be working in partnership with Alan James Burns to deliver a free event on Wednesday 10 September at 5.30pm in Cavan Burren Park.

Unmasking Nature’s guided geopark experience is shaped by sensory cues, rather than traditional mapping techniques and invites us to explore joyful ways of engaging with the natural world. Co-designed with neurodivergent people who came together as a community over several months, the walk route takes inspiration from their special interests, and is created with disabled participants in mind. Opportunities to experience their creative responses to the site include “deep dive” information points, in addition to the insights of professionals and experts in the areas of fungi, food foraging and biophilia.

Being free from the need to mask or adapt to neurotypical expectations supports sensory regulation and boosts calmness and creativity. During the ‘Unmasking Nature’ event, together explore how natural environments proffer a sense of ease and belonging within them. Participants are urged to open themselves up to what’s often overlooked, to experience nature’s richness from a different vantage point, and to break free from the confining patterns that shape how we sense, move and feel our way through the world.

At its core, Unmasking Nature asks, “What does it mean to be neurodivergent in nature?” Across this event, people’s connection to nature is celebrated through stimming and emotional cartography. By embracing feel-good, intuitive explorations to the geopark’s deeply interconnected sensory landscape, the project invites event participants to engage with themes such as biodiversity and more-than-human communication (including with plants, animals and inanimate elements) through an inclusive, neurodivergent lens.

This is a free event but booking is essential, RSVP by midday Tuesday 9th September. Light refreshments will be served.

Accessibility: Accessibility is a priority. This event includes:
Wheelchair accessibility
British Sign Language (BSL)
Irish Sign Language (ISL)
Audio Description (AD)
Dedicated Sensory Area on-site, available for anyone to use during the event

For further information and to book visit: www.cuilcaghlakelands.org/event/unmaskingnature