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Enjoying your environment

Why the natural environment is important and how you can get involved in outdoor activities.

Your health and the environment

Regular contact with the natural environment has many benefits including:

  • Reduction in stress
  • Increased physical activity
  • Stronger communities
  • An increased awareness of the value of the natural environment

Physically active people have a lower risk of dying from coronary heart disease, type II diabetes, hypertension and colon cancer. Stress and mental ill health are becoming more common, and the public health costs associated with these conditions are growing.

How to get involved

Visit the countryside, go to the coast, or find your nearest river. You can visit The Blue Gym website which encourages everyone, young and old, to find out about new sports, activities and interests. It also gives people the chance to meet like-minded people, join groups or clubs and find and share videos, pictures and thoughts around anything to do with having fun in, on, or near water.

  • The Blue Gym

    The Blue Gym is a social networking website that helps us enjoy our water environment. Find out how to join.

  • Visiting the coast

    Why our coast is important and how you can help protect it.