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Get outdoors into nature

Havering is one of the greenest boroughs in London. There are lots of beautiful parks and open spaces where you can get outdoors and into nature.

 

Spending time in nature is one of the easiest ways to feel better. Whether you walk in the park, sit in your garden or listen to birds, nature can help your mind and body stay healthy. 

Nature helps your mind

  • It calms you down when you feel stressed or worried. 
  • It helps you think more clearly and feel more focused. 
  • It can lift your mood and make you feel happier. 

 

Even just 10 minutes outside can make a big difference. 

Two older women in an allotment gardening together

Nature helps your body

Two women jog on a path with trees and tall grass. One wears a pink top, the other a blue top. Both wear black leggings.
  • Walking, gardening, or cycling keeps your body active and strong. 
  • Fresh air and sunlight help you sleep better and feel more awake. 
  • Being outside can lower your blood pressure and help your heart. 

Easy ways to connect with nature

  • Go for a walk in a local park or green space. 
  • Sit outside and listen to the sounds around you. 
  • Grow a plant or flowers at home. 
  • Watch the clouds, birds, or trees move in the wind. 

 

You don’t need to go far or spend money. Just step outside, take a deep breath, and enjoy the world around you. 

Two people stand in a garden. One hands a potted plant to the other. A house with a tiled roof and flowers is in the background. Their faces are blurred.

Find green spaces to get outdoors in Havering

Each tree icon represents a park, open green space or place where you can get outdoors and into nature.

Join local groups to get outdoors

There are lots of community groups you can join where you can get outdoors:

 

  • Find places to walk or run, alone or in a group
  • Find cycling routes and groups
  • Join in activities at Thames Chase Forest Centre:
Deer grazing in a fenced grassy field with trees in Bedfords Park. There is a distant cityscape under an overcast sky.

 

If you run an outdoor activity that you would like to promote on Live Well Havering, email livewellhavering@havering.gov.uk.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming events

Wellbeing & Tree Walk

Wellbeing & Tree Walk

Join us on a relaxing, slow paced Wellbeing & Tree Walk as we learn about nature, enjoy local greenspace and breathe deeply. Our walks are only 1km in length, at...

RSPB Rainham Marshes Winter Duck Walk

RSPB Rainham Marshes Winter Duck Walk

Join our expert guides as they help you to spot and identify tiny Teals, whistling Wigeons and gorgeous Gadwalls and many other species, including Geese, Swans and wading birds.

Let's Get Growing

Let’s Get Growing

Join us from 11 am – 2 pm on Sunday, 19 October, for our Autumn celebration. It will be a chance to meet Ellie and Sue and find out more about...

Thames Chase Winter Wellbeing Day

Thames Chase Winter Wellbeing Day

Save the date for our Winter Wellbeing Day, a partnership between Forestry England – Thames Chase and the Thames Chase Trust. This Winter, come to your local community woodland to...

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