I have been promoting the physical benefits of green spaces for many years, so it came as no surprise to me to learn that the local Stockport borough council in the UK has started a drive to encourage the use of parks and open spaces for both physical and mental fitness. They have made efforts to persuade GPs to prescribe walks in these areas, particularly for people recovering from surgery.

The initiative is based on the biophilia effect developed in the 1970s when it was found that post-operative patients recovered quicker when their hospital beds overlooked green spaces.
Our brain needs to be exposed to green spaces and textures like grass and planted areas as well as still and running water. We need all these to remain healthy.

This idea is taking off all over Europe and beyond. Planners and landscape architects are paying close attention. For the initiative to work there will, of course, have to be careful thought and consideration put into providing and planning parks and open spaces. They will need to meet the needs of all people, all ages and stages of life. They will need to be well maintained, properly supervised and planned all year round so that the beauty of the changing seasons is there to be enjoyed.

So put on your hat and coat, don’t hibernate. Come, join me as we stroll though the park, through the changing seasons– there is so much to see.

Winter

It’s winter and winter brings its own unique beauty the contrast of the evergreen shrubs against the pale winter sky, the magic of frost on a crystal clear morning. We see the splendour of the conifers, delicate winter blossoms, the holly beckoning the arrival of Christmas, the red berries, the scent of witch hazel. All of these are winter delights that you can savour as you stroll through this winter wonderland.

Spring

Spring time beckons nature in all its glory. Spring invites us to greet the great awakening of nature, daylight hours increase and we enter the loveliest time of year. Tulips, daffodils, wallflowers and indeed all kinds of spring blossoms are ready to explode into the most glorious of colours. We can sense spring in the winds as they get busy carrying the precious pollen from tree to tree. For many inhabitants of the plant world, they depend on the wind in the springtime to transport their pollen and thus assist in the bringing forth of new life. Birds are singing in the trees and spring is like an exquisite rainbow– a splash of colour in the seasons.

Summer

Spring gives way to summer. The plant growth is amazing and the long evenings and sunny mornings are drenched with the fragrances of roses and beautiful flowers. Indeed as you stroll through the park at this time of year your attention will be divided, for so much beauty is evident. Ponds and water features offer a welcome respite from summer heat, the scent of herbs encourages a picnic and the green lawns invite long walks through the grass.

Autumn

Autumn follows and our walk in the park brings with it mists and a more mellow sense of nature. The foliage is beautiful; the year’s declining days bring with them a glorious misty horizon, trees drenched in the most glorious of colours catching the rays of the evening sun. The winter heathers are in bloom and gardeners are busy planting their spring bulbs and bedding. This is a lovely time to observe nature. There is something magical about autumn– enjoy it.

And so, when you walk through the park appreciate all that is around you. Perhaps the seasons reflect our experience of life– a cycle of birth and death and all the growing that comes in between. Nature can teach us much about ourselves– take the time to look and listen. Take a walk in the park.

Above: Take a walk– or toddle– in your local park today!