Building dens, climbing trees, mixing mud pies, collecting rose petals for homemade perfume, threading daisies to make a pretty crown, pond dipping… Before screens stole our attention, weekends and holidays were full of outdoor adventures.
Despite joyful memories of playing outside as children, it’s a shame to say that research from The Wildlife Trusts has found that almost half of UK adults spend just three hours a week (or less!) outdoors.
Meanwhile, reminded of their own outdoor adventures, 80% of parents said they wanted to encourage their children to have more natural childhoods.
Spending time in nature can boost your health and wellbeing
If you’re not already shepherding your family out of the door to spend the day surrounded by nature, here’s a small sample of the health and wellbeing benefits you could enjoy:
- UK research involving more than 19,500 people found that those who spent at least 120 minutes each week in green spaces were significantly more likely to report good health and better mental wellbeing.
- A 2019 study reported in Harvard Health Publishing found that spending just 20 minutes in nature could reduce stress hormone levels.
- University of Cambridge researchers found that a daily 11-minute brisk walk is enough to reduce your risk of early death from health complications such as stroke, cancer, and heart disease.
- The Finnish Institute of Health and Wellbeing reports that spending time in nature protects against depression, alleviates stress, and improves mood.
While getting outdoors and surrounding yourself in nature every day is likely to provide the best benefits, that’s not always easy for town and city dwellers.
The good news is, if time and circumstances prevent you from full immersion in nature, a daily walk is a great way to get exercise, fresh air, and a dose of vitamin D – even if you only manage a brisk lap around the block.
For those looking for inspiration to ensure the whole family get a regular nature fix, here are a few suggestions.
Go straight to Cheshire Wildlife Trust HQ
Bickley Hall Farm is a 210-acre organic working farm just outside Malpas – and it’s home to the Cheshire Wildlife Trust.
Nestled in the heart of rural Cheshire, the wildlife-friendly farm boasts hay meadows and pastures with an abundance of wildflower borders, and a dedicated nature trail.
Grazing the edge of the Sandstone Trail – a walking route stretching 34 miles from Frodsham to Whitchurch – Bickley Hall Farm has created a circular path around the farm, allowing visitors to enjoy all the wonderful sights, scents, and sounds of nature.
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Step into a magical storybook world at BeWILDerwood Cheshire
This magical outdoor adventure park was inspired by a series of children’s books by Tom Blofeld.
Regardless of whether you’ve read the books and know the characters, BeWILDerwood is a perfect way to lure the kids off their screens.
Along with tons of tree-climbing opportunities, giant slides to whizz down, and zip wires for even faster thrills, the park is set within acres of woodland, ideal for den building.
As for tots, there are plenty of toddler-friendly areas perfect for your littlest adventurers.
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Help out on a farm
Sign up to become a “Wwoofer” and fill your free holidays and weekends with nature, fresh air, good food, and hands-on farming – all while visiting new places and meeting new people.
Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) links visitors with organic farmers who welcome volunteers to help tend the land. Founded more than 50 years ago, WWOOF has created a worldwide community of hundreds of thousands of volunteer workers and hosts.
Organised nationally, choose your destination – near to home or further afield – from an extensive online list that also allows insight into the kind of work you could get involved with.
Depending on the day, season, and farm you choose, you may find yourself helping with any number of tasks, including (but not limited to):
- Planting
- Harvesting
- Making compost
- Caring for animals
- Helping with eco-building projects.
Follow this link to find your UK farm.
As we write, a family farm in Rossendale is looking for Wwoofers to help them with several projects, including building an “avian flu-proof” poultry house and installing a 45kw wind turbine.
Explore Chatsworth’s garden, farmyard, and adventure playground
Chatsworth House and Gardens must feature high on many people’s lists of happy places.
Home to the Devonshire family for 17 generations, the house itself is full of delights, but beyond the 25 elegant rooms, the gardens and parkland offer more than enough to fill a family day out or an entire weekend trip.
The garden encompasses 105 acres and includes formal gardens, water features, wildflower areas, and an abundant kitchen garden.
And don’t miss out on the farmyard and adventure playground, positioned right next door to each other and a short walk from the main house and gardens.
Meet all the friendly farm animals before hitting the adventure playground to burn off some energy.
During school holidays, the estate offers a wide range of storytelling sessions, outdoor challenges, and other family-friendly fun. So, if you’re planning ahead, check the website to see what activities might be happening.
And if you prefer a free day out, make the most of Chatsworth’s parkland and woodland with a family picnic followed by a scenic walk or bug hunt.
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