Lockdown has shown many people how important nature is for one’s mental wellbeing, and there are many spots locally to connect with nature.
This year Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW), runs from Monday May 10 to today (May 16) and the theme is nature.
The Mental Health Foundation says: “Nature is so central to our psychological and emotional health, that it’s almost impossible to realise good mental health for all without a greater connection to the natural world.”
For anyone wishing to embrace nature and take a tranquil walk, here are some of the best spots that are just a short distance away.
The Chess Valley Walk
It follows the River Chess for 10 miles from Rickmansworth to Chesham.
Passing through the beautiful scenery of the Chess Valley, a landscape rich in wildlife, you will discover the site of a Roman villa, pass the 13th century Chenies Manor and see the watercress beds at Sarratt.
Heartwood Forest
The forest is an 858-acre site in Sandridge, St Albans. It is the largest continuous new native forest in England.
With pockets of ancient bluebell woodland, wildflower meadows and open grassland, the forest is at its most colourful between May and August.
The Ivinghoe and Pitstone Hills
The Ivinghoe and Pitstone Hills are designated as a site of special scientific interest for its very special wildlife. The whole area falls within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Ivinghoe Beacon is where you can admire the far-reaching views over several counties, follow the pathways in spring and summer and you will see lots of wildflowers and butterflies.
Rickmansworth Aquadrome
The aquadrome is a popular area which has a number of attractive walks around the lakes or along the River Colne and Grand Union Canal.
Leavesden Country Park
The park has been rated as one of the UK’s best kept secrets according to a national survey.
It covers an area of over 27 hectares and consists of walking/biking paths, a football pitch, wildlife areas, tennis courts, a children’s play area and an outdoor gym for adults.
Leavesden Country Park is located off College Road in Abbots Langley and is formed on the grounds originally belonging to the Leavesden Asylum and St. Pancras Orphanage.
Verulamium Park
Located in St Albans and named after the Roman city of Verulamium on which it stands, the area includes 100 acres of parkland and an ornamental lake.
With the city walls and outline of the London Gate tucked away amongst the open spaces, you're likely to learn a history lesson as well as enjoying a day out.
Broxbourne Woods
Broxbourne Woods is near Cheshunt and there is also a sculpture trail which makes it perfect for family walks.
To watch a short video created by the Mental Health Foundation click here https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week
For more information about mental health visit Mind https://www.mind.org.uk/
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