Supporting your Natural Health Service
IN THE MIDST OF A GLOBAL HEALTH PANDEMIC, EQUITY OF ACCESS TO THE GREAT OUTDOORS IN ORDER TO SUPPORT OUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELLBEING HAS COME INTO SHARP FOCUS. A NEW SURVEY REVEALS THAT MANY OF US HAVE BEEN LOOKING TO THE COAST PATH FOR HELP TO GET THROUGH THE CHALLENGING NATURE OF LOCKDOWN.
N
early 80% of respondents said that they feel more positive after walking on
the Coast Path; three quarters said that they feel less stressed; 57% said they feel able to sleep better and 62% felt inspired to be more active. The survey, which was carried out by the South West Coast Path Association heard from over 1,000 people about how the Trail has supported them during this difficult time. And it’s not just humans benefitting from strolls along the coast either, 75% of dog-owners agreed that their four- legged friend is more content after being on the Coast Path. Findings from the South West
coincide with a national survey from Natural England this May where the large majority of adults agreed that green and natural spaces are good places for mental health and wellbeing (89%) and places that encourage physical health and exercise (83%). These findings are even more important at a time when staying physically healthy has become the national priority, and our mental wellbeing is under greater pressure than ever before. For example, in recent studies by King’s College and UCL, 50% of the British population say they are experiencing disturbed sleep and a third of us in the UK have experienced feelings of stress and anxiety because of coronavirus.
HOW DOES OUR ENVIRONMENT SUPPORT THE NHS Research shows spending time outdoors in nature has huge potential to improve our physical and mental health: reducing stress and anxiety, lowering blood pressure, increasing cardio-vascular health and improving mood. There are many health benefits that come from combining walking, with spending time in green spaces and being next to water – three things the South West Coast Path offers. However, as a nation we’re not walking enough and physical inactivity in the UK could be costing the economy as much as £20 billion[1]
a year. But could our
environment have the answer? National landscapes like
the South West Coast Path are increasingly recognised as part of the ‘Natural Health Service’. The Path is a destination for millions of people looking to stay active, exercise, relax, be mindful, connect with nature – and generally reap the health benefits it offers. And the wider advantage of this, is that there is less strain on the NHS. It’s estimated that walking National Trails could save the NHS £167 million[2]
in health benefits every
year. The South West Coast Path alone could help save the NHS over £40 million a year - that’s £63,000 for every mile of the 630-mile route. Walking coastal paths has also
THE PHYSICAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF WALKING:
• Improves heart health, lung capacity and circulation
• Reduces the risk of chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease and dementia
• Improves flexibility and strengthens joints, bones and muscle
• Boosts the immune system and improves digestion • Aids weight loss
THE MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF WALKING: • Improves self-esteem and mood • Reduces anxiety, stress and fatigue • Helps improve sleep quality • Reduces risk of depression
led to fewer premature deaths, a benefit valued at £19 million[3]
and
provides recreational wellbeing valued at £1.8 billion. The impacts of climate change,
through stronger and more frequent storms, are already increasing the cost of managing the Coast Path. Over the past five years, investment to maintain the trail has risen 40% to £1,400 per mile, whilst the condition of the trail has remained static. For the organisations managing this world- class trail it makes the job even more challenging to keep it open and accessible to the millions of people who use it.
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