Where else to get outdoors
THE EDEN PROJECT, CORNWALL: These botanical gardens are world class. Inside the two biomes are the most amazing plants that are collected from really diverse climates and environments. It is truly breathtaking and a must-visit.
KEW GARDENS, LONDON: My children love it here; you can spend hours on end exploring. The trees are absolutely giant and the gardens and lake are beautiful.
WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM, TETBURY: I filmed here many times with Countryfile and it is one of my favourite places. It’s a magical woodland with more than 15,000 trees and shrubs.
TRESCO ABBEY GARDEN, ISLES OF SCILLY: The climate at Tresco is temperate, so they can grow plants from all over the world here. You can see plants from Western Australia or South Africa; it’s spectacular. There’s nowhere else quite like it.
How to make the most of nature (wherever you are) Have a daily mindful moment in
nature; you don’t even need to go outside! Every morning, I open a window and spend 10 minutes looking out, spotting wildlife and observing the way the leaves are rustling in the wind or the way rain is pattering on the grass.
Have the right mindset. When you go out, intend to make the most of it. Take your phone, because you might need it, but zip it up and don’t use it unless you have to. Observe different colours of trees, notice the fractal patterns in the leaves, listen out for birdsong.
Get involved. Even if you live in a city, there will be local parks and gardens for you to seek out. And get involved: if there’s a verge that needs planting with wild flowers, you could set up a group to do it within your community. Doing something that creates nature in your environment is good for the soul. How to encourage kids to enjoy the outdoors Engage with them and give them things to do. That could mean playing I-spy, or collecting leaves or naming trees or bugs. Also, make it competitive: who can get to that rock first? My dad did all that and it has stayed with me.
Dress for it
All you need are comfortable walking
trainers and a cagoule. Don’t let obstacles get in your way! So what if it’s raining? One of my favourite outings last year was when we went out in the rain with the kids. We had a leaf fight and got mucky and they loved it. The children still talk about it. How to walk with purpose Walk to get fit: stride out, tuck in your tummy, clench your bottom and engage your leg muscles. Set a goal, whether it’s 10 minutes, half an hour, or more. Get sweaty and out of breath; your doctor will thank you for it.