As the winter months draw in, so too does the inclination to stay indoors, under a blanket, with a mug of hot chocolate, engrossed in whatever displays on the TV in front of us. For we all know that this time of year brings with it a common grumble in the air; that being the weather.
The weather dissuades us all from wanting to venture outdoors; meaning we so readily rely on our cars to take us from door to door. In fact, most of us just go into hibernation, waiting for the warmer months to come along, and attempting to venture outside as little as possible. However, as much as we are telling ourselves that its best to stay inside – in the warm – the truth of the matter is, we really do need the outdoors.
Lucy McRobert, nature matters campaigns manager for The Wildlife Trusts said: “By interacting with (nature), spending time in it, experiencing it and appreciating it we can reap the benefits of feeling happier and healthier as a result.”
So even just a little time outdoors can benefit you, meaning that replacing that regular car journey to the shops could do you the world of good. Somehow, we need to integrate the outdoors into our lives, whether it be replacing our mode of daily transport or even purposely taking the time out in the day to make a conscious effort to go for a walk.
But if you want a purpose for going outside, then why not join in with one of the Forest for Peterborough Tree Planting Days? This is a great opportunity to help create more green spaces in Peterborough whilst enabling you to experience the great outdoors.
The challenge this autumn is simple: make time for the outdoors, because, “Time in nature is not leisure time; it’s an essential investment in our health” – Richard Louv.
Michaela Anthony is the Digital Marketing Apprentice at Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT).