Devon goes wild for naturally healthy month
A month long celebration of Devon’s world renowned 'wild' outdoor spaces, landscapes and environments kicks off next month.
To mark Naturally Healthy month, the Devon Local Nature Partnership (Natural Devon) is asking people to swap the drama, adventure and education that they enjoy on television for the real, fresh experience out in the wild as part of May's Naturally Healthy Month.
Natural Devon, which includes a cross section of outdoor activity, environmental, nature and wellbeing organisations, is prompting people to remember how much fun the outdoors is.
A range of diverse experiences will be on offer, that are ripe for adventure, drama, fun and the space to think including events, activities and festivals where people can get muddy, explore, enjoy and share.
The range of events means people of ages and abilities can enjoy them, from mud play, park runs, beach lifesaving and wild survival to dawn walks and green exercise. Even the county wide network of Walking for Health walks are in on the action, offering a whole range of environmentally themed educational walks as part of the Naturally Healthy celebration month.
Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council's lead member for health and wellbeing, and chairman of the Devon Health and Wellbeing Board, said: "May is the perfect time to get the most out of our natural assets.
"Here in Devon we have the best natural health service right on our doorsteps and I'd encourage everyone to grab the opportunity to go outdoors and explore it."
Suzanne Goodfellow, Chair of the Local Nature Partnership, said: "Naturally Healthy does not only mean getting out onto the moors, beaches and into the forests, but it also means making the most of the green spaces right outside our houses and workplaces.
Celebrate being part of new life, get fit and have fun with the huge range of opportunities on offer during Naturally Healthy Month."
“We’re running all sorts of outdoor challenges as part of the Workplace Challenge,” said Scott Kendall from Active Devon, who is in charge of getting Devon’s workplaces to move more.
“It's an online tool where local businesses can collaborate on getting fitter within their workplace or challenge other nearby businesses to a spot of outdoor activity. With spring well and truly here, planning outdoor events, activities and challenges within a business can be a great way to sit less and move more, socialise and have a break from the desk."
The month of activities takes place during May and events are listed on www.naturaldevon.org.uk .
Anyone who wants their event mentioned can use #whendidyoulast for shares and retweeets or tweet details of the event to @Devon_LNP.
There are a series of blank posters online at www.naturaldevon.org.uk to promote new events and activities. Workplaces can join in by signing up for free at www.workplacechallenge.org.uk and to find a local health walk visit the events section of www.walkingforhealth.org.uk
