A new free app has launched to help people find, discover, and visit nature on their doorstep.
Wildling is aiming to be a simple one-step solution to the growing mental health crisis and the urgent need to care for the natural world.
By helping people visit nature more easily, and giving them tools to truly connect with it at this same time, Wildling is well on its way to supporting personal wellbeing and the joy of easily discovering nature across the UK, all while nurturing a sense of care and action for the planet.
Supported by partners including the RSPB, Marine Conservation Society ,and Forestry England, and backed by advisors and environmentalists like Ben Goldsmith, Eden Project founder Tim Smit, and Dragon’s Den’s Deborah Meaden, the new app brings the UK’s wild spaces and hidden green spots together in one place.
A new free app has launched to help people find the best nature spots in Manchester / Credit: Kitera Dent | Robin Worrall (via Unsplash)
Featuring more than 1,500 locations across the country, from coastlines and woodlands, to nature reserves, the app also includes a wide range of tips to help you make your time in nature easier, more enjoyable, and more meaningful.
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The app has been created with the input of research carried out by the University of Derby, based on responses from more than 68,000 adults across England over two years.
The study found that people who spend time in nature every day report up to 22% greater life satisfaction, 17% higher happiness, and an average uplift of around 19% in overall wellbeing, compared to those who rarely go out.
Regular time in nature was also found to have a ‘striking’ effect on pro-environmental behaviour too, according to the survey.
Wildling was created by impact entrepreneur Ant Rawlins who wanted to make accessing nature ‘easier’ for everyone.
“We wanted to give people the tools to engage with nature by making it genuinely easy to visit, by showing them nearby nature places and giving them everything they need to make it happen,” says Ant Rawlins commented.
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Wildling connects Mancs to the outside world and all it has to offer / Credit: Sol Stock (Supplied)
Ant said the study shows that spending more time in nature just a nice idea, it makes you happier, increases your satisfaction with life, lifts your overall wellbeing, and encourages you to look after the world around you.
“That’s exactly why Wildling was created,” he concluded.
The Wildling app is available now to download for free through the App Store and Google Play, and you can find out more here.
Featured Image – Shironosov (Supplied)
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Iconic Flying Scotsman steam train returns to Greater Manchester this summer
Emily Sergeant
One of the most iconic steam trains of all time will be travelling through the Greater Manchester countryside this summer.
East Lancashire Railway (ELR) says it’s ‘delighted’ to announce the return of the magnificent LNER Class A3 60103 Flying Scotsman – which is also, affectionately, known as ‘The People’s Engine’ – to its historic train line next summer in June, courtesy of both the National Railway Museum and Northern Steam.
The record-breaking engine is making a long-anticipated return to the line, bringing with it the unmistakable sights, sounds, and nostalgia of the ‘Golden Age’ of steam travel.
This is a rare opportunity to see the engine up close and to feel the power and presence of one of Britain’s most iconic locomotives.
The legendary steam engine will be giving passengers the chance to hop onboard for the ride on various dates throughout June (5, 6, 7, 13 and 14 June), so enthusiasts can make the most of this unforgettable opportunity to travel on this world-famous train.
For those who prefer a closer look, the Flying Scotsman will be on static display on selected dates throughout June too.
Luxury dining experiences aboard one of ELR’s beautifully restored heritage carriages will also be available to book on the days the Flying Scotsman is here in Greater Manchester.
Unfamiliar with the Flying Scotsman? The train first entered service in 1923, and since then has become a British icon, representing the very best of steam-era innovation. It was the first steam locomotive officially recorded at 100 miles per hour, and over a century later, it continues to attract attention all over the world.
The train’s journey has not always been an easy one though, from budget cuts to multiple ownerships and painstaking restorations – yet through it all, Flying Scotsman has remained a beloved part of the UK’s cultural heritage.
Flying Scotsman’s visits to Greater Manchester drawn record crowds in previous years, and 2026 is set to be no exception.
“We are delighted and proud to once again warmly welcome back the world’s most iconic locomotive, Flying Scotsman, as it returns to the East Lancashire Railway for a five-day visit in June,” commented Mike Kelly, who is the Chairman of the ELR.
“We have an exciting programme of events planned for all our visitors and enthusiasts to enjoy the unique experience of riding behind Flying Scotsman or visiting the footplate and creating wonderful memories.”
Find out more and book tickets to see the Flying Scotsman next summer here.
Featured Image – ELR (via Supplied)
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MediaCity’s massive Vue cinema has had a comfort upgrade with new ‘Ultra Lux’ seats
Emily Sergeant
Manchester cinephiles are now able to enjoy the latest movie releases in ultimate comfort.
That’s because, over at the popular MediaCity Vue cinema complex, 75 brand-new ‘Ultra Lux’ seats have been installed across seven screens, offering film fans what is, quite literally, the chance to sit in the best seats in the house.
Each seat provides the very-best view of the big screen and comes with a host of premium features.
Some of these exciting premium features include extra-wide armrests and a personal table for snacks and drinks, your very-own beverage cooler, which is ideal for films with a particularly long run-time, and even a back and legs that recline independently, so you can find the most relaxing viewing position possible.
Vue currently has 93 state-of-the-art cinemas throughout the UK and Ireland, totalling more than 850 screens – and the Quayside cinema is the latest to benefit from upgraded seating.
Ultra Lux seats have arrived at Vue Quayside Manchester / Credit: Vue Gallery / Supplied
This means that anyone heading to the cinema to see some of the latest and upcoming releases like Avatar: Fire and Ash, Marty Supreme, The Housemaid, Fackham Hall, Wicked: For Good, and so many more, can experience comfort like never before.
“We have invested in bringing Vue’s best seating option to our venue and are excited for our customers to enhance their experience on their next visit,” commented Darren Tinsley, who is the General Manager at Vue Manchester Quayside.
“It is truly the best way to immerse yourself in a film and to have the most comfortable experience.”
Tickets for Vue Manchester Quayside start from £6.49, with upgrades to Ultra Lux from £3 on selected tickets.
January is a month where the temperatures are colder, the days darker, and the social batteries a little lower, so it couldn’t be a better time to lose yourself in the power of cinema – and treat yourself to an Ultra Lux experience.
You can book tickets to upcoming films online by visiting myvue.com.
Emily Sergeant -
1st August 2025 
