As you know spending time in nature can help you be physically active, reduce your blood pressure, boost your mood, and increase your vitamin D levels. This May everyone is invited to get out in the natural environment to help their physical and mental health and wellbeing as part of Naturally Healthy Month, being led by the Dorset Local Nature Partnership.

Get outside

Living in Dorset we are blessed with many opportunities to get outside – from a walk, ride or cycle in the countryside; a wander along a river, coast path, or the beach; a visit to a local park or nature reserve; playing and exploring outdoors or spending time gardening at home. Most people have access to some form of natural space either on your own, or with family and friends, and it’s largely free.

There is increasing evidence that being in nature supports our mental wellbeing by allowing us to relax and focus on the environment around us and provides spaces to be physically active. One study showed that those exercising outdoors do so for 30mins more than those at a gym. This may be down to the variety of experiences that being outdoors gives, such as the seasons and weather. This may also help you to repeat the activity so that it becomes a habit because it’s always a little bit different, even if it’s in the same outdoor space. And you don’t have to be consciously ‘exercising’ to get the benefits. Conservation volunteering gets you active and also supports or improves your mental wellbeing. A study showed a 95% improvement for attendees with low wellbeing after attending conservation volunteering activities after a period of 6 weeks.

Natural Choices

Working alongside Stepping into Nature, the Natural Choices programme brings together many nature-based activities to support all wellbeing for all adults. There are over 60 activities across Dorset including practical conservation volunteering (e.g. hedge laying), gardening, health walks, nature walks, outdoor mindfulness, gardening, Nordic Walking and Park Yoga (running from May to Sept in locations across Dorset). Natural Choices activities are run by organisations including Livability Holton Lee, National Trust, Dorset Wildlife Trust, RSPB, EuCAN, Bournemouth Parks, Country Parks (including Durlson, Moors Valley, Avon Health and Upton) and many of the Walking for Health groups across the county. Some activities are more physically demanding than others, but you can try different activities out to see what suits you and then maybe move onto something else as you get fitter. The activities are a great way to meet other people and social connection is great in supporting our wellbeing.

Picnic in the Park

During May we’re working with partners, including Dorset AONB, LiveWell Dorset, Active Dorset and local councils, to hold Picnic in the Park: Living Well, Loving Nature events. The free events will include live music, stalls showcasing local wellbeing opportunities and free taster sessions of local activities to try out, for example Park Yoga, mindfulness, and Zumba (activities vary at each event). Pop along for part of the day or spend all day soaking up the great atmosphere. Research shows that spending just 20 minutes in an urban park could boost your mental health and wellbeing by making you happier – so join us and take a picnic to make the most of the event. These are currently planned from 11-3pm in:

Radipole Gardens, Weymouth on 4 May
Durlston Country Park, Swanage on 4 May
Borough Gardens, Dorchester on 18 May

Get involved in Naturally Healthy Month this May

We’d love to hear about what you get up to this May so follow us on Twitter @Nat_Choicesand @stepin2nature and use the hashtags #NaturallyHealthyMonth #NaturalChoicesDorset and if you take a selfie of your adventures use #NatureSelfie

If you want to find out about Natural Choices activities near you, search the LiveWell Dorset Activity Finder, look for the Natural Choices logo and contact the providers. You can also be signposted to the activities by the LiveWell Dorset Wellness Coaches if you’d like some support or by health and social care professionals such as GPs or Carers Support Team.

So why not get outside this May, on your own or by trying some Natural Choices or Stepping into Nature activities to boost your mood and your physical fitness and be healthy by nature (and beyond!).

www.dorsetlnp.org.uk

Essex University and The Wildlife Trusts: https://bit.ly/2vNeZ6i

www.dorsetlnp.org.uk/natural-choices