The connection with Nature is one of the big themes of Mental Health Awareness week.
if we have learnt any lessons from the truly awful experiences of Covid 19 one of them is how time spent in nature boosts our mental health. Research by psychologists and ecologists increasingly show so many positive effects on depression, anxiety and mood disorders.
in some urbanised area access to green spaces is dwindling. Despite its image we are so lucky in Croydon to be near and surrounded by so many wonderful open spaces. South Norwood Country Park, Addington Hills, Coombe Woods, Addiscombe Railway Park. Littleheath Woods, Park Hill Recreation Ground and many many more, too many to list.
Here in our ward of South Croydon we have South Croydon Recreation Ground, the historic Haling Grove Park, Normanton Meadow and SSSI Croham Hurst woods. Ward boundaries are artificial just over our boundary is the wonderful open space of Lloyd Park. We have too so many great Friends Groups dedicated to caring for their local green open spaces and all the nature living there.
As the Lockdown hopefully eases let’s continue to enjoy and care for our fabulous parks, woods and gardens and continue to reap the benefits of connecting with nature and the boost to our physical and mental well-being that it brings.
