& CULTURE It’s time to take a I

F the BBC’s Springwatch has whetted your appetite for exploring nature, then there’s no better time to venture into the great outdoors. Recent research commissioned by the Canal & River Trust has found that exploring the countryside, particularly around waterways, is important for good mental and physical health.

As around 14% of the UK population lives within one kilometre of a waterway, the trust wants to encourage more of these 8m people to enjoy their surroundings and reap the health benefits.

As well as offering the chance to spot waterfowl, water voles and wild flowers, canal towpaths are the perfect place to exercise for those who can’t quite manage a hill climb, or cyclists who want to be off road. And many waterways are open to fishing and boating.

The Huddersfield area has extensive canal networks with visitor attractions and miles of towpaths (although this summer sees the closure of Aspley Wharf towpath on the Huddersfield Broad Canal under the Wakefield Road bridge until June 25 for painting work).

Here are a few ideas for things to do this summer on or near a canal. 9.30 am until 4 pm on weekdays and 5pm at weekends).

There are also boat trips, including a two-hour journey through the tunnel, which can be booked on 01484 844298.

Entry to the visitor centre, which is open every day in the summer, is free.

Visit canalrivertrust.org.uk for more information. runs for 21.5 miles from Sowerby Bridge to Wakefield.

Between Elland and Brighouse there’s a canal bridge leading to acres of woodland, wetland and grassland, all accessible by wheelchair users, dog walkers and families with buggies.

Formerly a quarry, power station ash tip and landfill site, the reserve now has a bird-viewing area, enclosed pond, and miles of maintained pathways.

The site, designated a nature reserve in 2003, has its own friends’ organisation, The Cromwell Bottom Wildlife Group, which is always eager to attract new volunteers.

On open days the group provides refreshments.

The reserve, which is home to many species of dragonflies and birds, can be found off the A6025 Elland Road and has its own car park.

Visit cromwellbottom.wordpress.com for details. The Safe Anchor Trust runs daily canal boat trips from the marina to various points on the Calder & Hebble.

The charity provides safe and therapeutic boat trips for those who are disadvantaged through physical or mental disabilities, social isolation, age or social deprivation and its work is supported by the Canal & River Trust.

Sailings book up quickly so anyone who would like to cruise the canal needs to think ahead.

The trust is hosting a Pirate Open Weekend on July 7 and 8 at the Mirfield marina, with boat