Health and wellbeing in the Chess Catchment
Good health refers to our physical, mental and social well-being. Positive health and wellbeing means experiencing good health and enjoying feelings of wellness. It also means being fully engaged with others and our surroundings, having personal experiences, positive relationship and a sense of purpose. Good health and wellbeing therefore is not simply the opposite of ill health, but is a broad ranging assessment of a person’s quality of life.
Daily contact with nature is linked to better health, reduced levels of stress, reduction in obesity and improved concentration. From forests, oceans and rivers, to parks and gardens, to window boxes or even house plants, we can find nature wherever we are.
Our local green spaces are an essential and unique service for people of all ages, backgrounds and interests. Promoting relaxation, recreation and play, wildlife and biodiversity and physical wellbeing through cycling or walking routes, green jobs and skills, heritage, flood control, health and social well-being and community cohesion. The Covid-19 crisis over the last few year has demonstrated the vital importance and popularity of green spaces.
Evidence suggests there are five steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing.
1. Connect
With people around you and share you experiences. A great way to do this in the Chess Catchment is to join the volunteer network. https://www.chilterns.org.uk/whats-on/volunteering/
Volunteering on the River Chess
2. Be active
There are miles of footpath in the Chess Catchment. Take one of the many walks by yourself or with friends and family. Why not combine the walk with a bite to eat with one of our pub walks: healthy eating is just as important as exercise. You never know what wildlife you might spot whilst out and about. https://chilternsociety.org.uk/leaflet/forty-green-pub-walks/
There are many footpaths to explore along the Chess
3. Learn
Try something new. Become a Chess Catchment citizen scientist, and learn how to observe and record water quality techniques or ecological survey methods to protect and understand the River Chess Catchment. https://chesssmarterwatercatchment.org/get-involved
Smarter Water Catchment training
4. Give
Time and kindness are two types of giving that can be incredibly rewarding and give us a sense of purpose. Why not try giving some time to benefit your local community or green space. Share a little love. https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/go-wild-random-acts-kindness-day
5. Take notice
When we talk about connecting with nature, it’s not just about being outdoors – it’s about how you engage with nature while you’re there. What you do is more important than how long you spend doing it. It’s like going to a football game – you’re not going just to be in the stadium, it’s watching the game and cheering along that makes it so great. https://www.chilternstreams.org/discover/
Chilterns Chalk Streams Project
Volunteering Hub
Get involved
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