The Countryside

The countryside can be very soothing and give us a gentle, healing environment in which to enjoy a day or afternoon after a stressful week. So here are some ideas of places you can go to enjoy nature & her healings, alone or with friends and family, and just relax for a few hours or more. De-stress from yoru week, burn off some calories and get your heart pumping - and have some fun.

PLEASE remember your responsibilities when you're in the countryside - Take Litter Home With You as it can injure or kill wildife. Be careful not to do anything which could start fires. Keep dogs on leads where requested. Keep gates shut if asked, or leave them open if asked. All your actions can impact on the health and wellbeing of our wildlife & farm animals so think as you go. The Countryside Code is here

Muck in for Life Fun & free environmental activities for all the family - get stuck in.	Muck in for Life
Head to Forests & Woods The Forestry Commission is responsible for the protection & expansion of forests & woodlands in the UK. It has a map showing places you can enjoy horse riding, walking, cycling, wildlife sightseting, orienteering & more.	Find out what's happening in your area
Get close up to nature Benefit from nature's soothing, gentle environment and watching the wildlife by taking time out on an RSPB nature reserve. T he RSPB membership gives you FREE access to 100 nature reserves. That's nearly 2 to visit every week of the year! Family memberships are available	Join the RSPB online
Visit wetlands The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust is a leading conservation organisation, saving wetlands for wildlife and people worldwide. Why not visit a member of the WWT near you this weekend? And if you love taking photos, get snapping for the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust's annual photographic competition, for photos taken at WWT centres, entries due by 7 September 2009. More...	Find your nearest Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
Countryside Access Lots of ideas of things you can do on foot, bike, horse, canoe, hang-glider plus excellent advice on keeping safe in the countryside. If you have a disability, you may find the Countryside Access site helpful	Countryside activities
Go for a walk with a llama It's a great way to spend some time, and the opportunity to walk with a llama is all over the UK. Walk with a llama - and feel calmer!!	Find a your nearest walk with a llama
Trees matter The Tree Council organises events to encourage people to get out there and get walking, and enjoy the trees and woods in spring. There'll be wildlife lurking in every undergrowth and in each tree - you just may not see them!	Get ready for Seed Gathering Season in late September/early October
Wildlife Trusts It's amazing how much is happening at the 47 or so wildlife trusts around the UK - events, courses, days out, fun to have, animals to see, a world to discover.	Find your local Wildlife Trust
Ancient Tree Hunt Join the Ancient Tree Hunt (you can do this any time) with the Woodland Trust. There's lots of info on their site about why ancient trees matter & how you recognise them.	Set out this weekend to find an ancient tree.
Help with a survey & Sightings with groups such as the Amphibian & Reptile Group.	Get out there and connect with the real world this weekend