Green Health Week: Bringing the benefits of nature to everyone
This Green Health Week we’re championing the voices and experiences of people in the Cairngorms who demonstrate daily that nature is for everybody. To kick off a series of features celebrating Green Health Week, David Clyne, Head of Cairngorms 2030, reflects on the benefits of being out in nature.
What does nature mean to you? Maybe morning walks with your dog are a sacred time away from the hustle and bustle. For others, it could be pottering in the garden or sitting with a cup of tea, watching wildlife from your window. Some might connect with nature by volunteering or heading for an adventure in the hills to switch off after the working week.
For me, getting outdoors at least once a day is an important reset for mind and body. Whether it’s a short walk by the River Spey after work, bike rides in Glenmore or swimming in my local lochs, simply being outdoors helps me manage the pressures of everyday life and allows me to focus on what’s important – being healthy and connecting with nature.
These activities may be so ingrained in your life that you haven’t stopped to think about the impact they’re having on you. From aiding concentration and relieving stress, to lowering blood pressure and increasing fitness and energy, not to mention the social connections, the benefits of green health are far ranging.
We want to make sure that everyone, no matter their background or abilities, has a chance to make the most of our spectacular surroundings here in the Cairngorms National Park in whatever way suits them best.
And this Green Health Week, there is plenty of inspiration from projects and groups across the National Park to help people connect with nature and reap the rewards.
Yesterday (Fri 2 May) the Outdoor Dementia Resource Centre at Badaguish unveiled its spring programme at a party celebrating the therapeutic benefits of nature. A Cairngorms 2030 project in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland, the centre’s varied activities and workshops help people live well with dementia, while combating isolation for them and their loved ones.
Meanwhile, our volunteer-led Health Walks have been so successful that two more have recently launched in the National Park. These relaxed, social walks make the most of our community path network, while being as accessible as possible. They will take place throughout Green Health Week in locations including Tomintoul, Cromdale and Kingussie.
Our Cairngorms 2030 partners the SPIN Project are hosting Joy Rides in Aviemore and Boat of Garten, encouraging people to cycle, regardless of ability, confidence or equipment. As the team puts it, the sessions are “part exercise, part social group, part exploration of the beautiful place we live in”.
And rounding off the week on an endorphin high, the Cairngorms Pride Paddlers – a friendly and welcoming LGBTQ+ paddleboarding club – will meet for another action-packed day on the water.
That gives you a flavour of some of the events on offer – I have no doubt these will have an impact far beyond Green Health Week itself. At the heart of all of this is the spirit of Dùthchas, the deep-rooted connection between people and nature. Next time you head outdoors, I hope you can find a moment to pause and reflect on what being out in nature means to you.
The Cairngorms 2030 programme is made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.
A full list of Green Health Week events is here.
