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.
Wildling connects people from Yorkshire to the outside world and all it has to offer / Credit: Supplied
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.
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.
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.
It's fantastic news for our city's food scene, as Restaurant JÖRO has been awarded a Michelin star.
Not only is it a huge triumph for JÖRO, but it is also a massive win for Sheffield as the award breaks a decade-long drought.
Often hailed as the city's best restaurant, JÖRO is run by husband-and-wife team Luke French and Stacey Sherwood.
Born in December 2016 in Sheffield's ultra trendy Kelham Island area, JÖRO (which is Old Norse for 'earth') quickly became the city’s first Michelin Bib Gourmand before then collecting three AA Rosettes and an entry in the 2025 Michelin Guide.
It is loved by critics all over the country, so it's safe to say this Michelin star is absolutely well and truly deserved.
The space has just 11 tables, and their food is focused on top ingredients, purity and locality.
The space is light and airy, no dress code necessary with an inviting open kitchen that entices you to sneak a peek.
But, don't just take our word for it. Here's what the guide has to say: "JÖRO’s relocation to this 300-year-old former mill on the edge of Sheffield has certainly been a labour of love. The building has been smartly converted, with bedrooms available upstairs and an open kitchen in the dining room.
"The cooking is pure and occasionally playful, with the quality ingredients treated with respect and understanding. Just take the Vale of Mowbray hogget, for example, enhanced by a mint-tinged lamb jus, a bright tomato and chipotle cream, and a vibrant caponata.
"The excellent service is a real team effort, with every person brimming with enthusiasm."
A huge congratulations to Luke, Stacey and the team - we couldn't think of anywhere more deserving. Cheers to you!
Planning application submitted for new padel courts at Sheffield’s Steel City Stadium
Clementine Hall
A property specialist has submitted an application to build three padel courts on land at Steel City Stadium.
It seems the padel craze is never ending, as more padel courts could soon be landing in Sheffield.
Scarborough Group International (SGI) are looking to build the courts as part of the group's long-term investment into the stadium.
The three courts would sit on the same level as the stadium, giving padel players access to the toilets, cafe, changing facilities and the stadium's workspace community.
If the plans are approved, the courts are expected to be up and running by summer 2026.
Image: Scarborough Group International
Scott McCabe, Director at SGI, spoke about the application: “Submitting this planning application marks another important step in the ongoing evolution of Steel City Stadium.
"We have invested considerably in the Stadium over recent years, from delivering the grandstand to opening the new café and coworking lounge, and we are committed to ensuring this becomes a vibrant, inclusive and active place for the whole community.
“Padel is a sport that is growing at remarkable pace across the UK. If consent is granted, we stand ready to deliver these courts quickly and bring a much-needed new opportunity for participation, wellbeing and community connection to the Park.”
The application follows a huge period of investment by SGI into Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, to date they have invested a whopping £10 million into the stadium.
We'll keep you updated when we know more about the progress of the application. Game, set, padel!
Clementine Hall -
4th August 2025 
