<i>Social Capital</i> and Improved Wellbeing: A Qualitative Investigation of the Wild Things! <i>Silver Saplings Adventures Programme</i> in Rural North-East Scotland

The Silver Saplings Adventures Programme (SSAP), run by Wild Things! charity in Scotland, enhances older adults' wellbeing through nature-based activities, lifelong learning, and social cohesion. This study evaluates SSAP's 2023 impact using remote interviews with 17 participants, revealing its role in fostering physical, social, and mental wellbeing. A key finding is SSAP's effectiveness in strengthening social capital, helping mitigate aging-related social decline. Participants reported forming friendships and stronger community ties. The study highlights SSAP's value in promoting healthy aging and resilience, advocating for further support and expansion of nature programmes to enrich older populations in Scotland and beyond.