Mental Health Awareness Week: Scenic nature walks to try in Worcestershire

There’s no doubt the pandemic has caused a great deal of suffering for a great many people. In November last year, Mind reported that more people have experienced a mental health crisis during the pandemic than ever previously recorded.

Research by mentalhealth.org on the mental health impacts of the pandemic also found that heading outdoors for a walk was one of our top coping strategies; 45% of people reported being in green spaces had been vital for our mental health.

Here are just five nature walks that you can enjoy in the Worcestershire countrysides:

1. Laugherne Brook Local Nature Reserve, Sapphire Crescent, Worcester

This reserve encompasses around one mile of the Laugherne Brook.

As you walk, you will find yourself surrounded by woodland, hay meadows and even grassland.

The soothing sound of the stream or river is enough to calm your mind and have a period of relaxation.

In spring, kingcups or marsh marigolds can be seen in the wetter areas

Wildlife enthusiasts should also keep an eye out for notable animals and creatures in the area, such as the Kingfisher, Kingcup and the Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Numerous butterfly species can also be found in the reserve such as orange tip, brimstone, holly blue, meadow brown, speckled wood and gatekeeper.

There is even a viewing platform at the reserved for walkers to take in the beauty around them.

2. Teme Valley Trail, Martley, Malvern Hills

(Photo: River Teme
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Richard Webb - geograph.org.uk/p/3929764)

You can’t talk about nature walks without mentioning the Malvern Hills.

The Teme Valley Trail is just one scenic route, ideal for those who want a slightly challenging walk while still being immersed in the nature around them.

This walking route has made the list as it is somewhat of a geological wonder and you can even take time to visit the Geology Viewing Area, which is just off the route.

The geological features and ancient quarries are more than 700 million years old.

The hill tops are covered by acid grassland and small areas of heathland that merge into bracken, scrub and woodland towards the lower slopes.

Part of the 3.5 mile walking route will also take you along a section of the River Teme.

You can find the full train at the following website: https://www.visitthemalverns.org/walks/teme-valley-trail-martley/

3. Worcester Woods Country Park, Wildwood Dr, Worcester 

(Facebook/ @WorcesterWoodsCountryPark)

If you are hoping for a woodland walk, you need to head to Worcester Woods Country Park;  there are more than 100 acres of woodland here.

The Woodland Trail through the Nunnery Wood Local Nature Reserve- it’s here where you can spot the bluebell meadows which are just starting to flower.

There’s plenty of other natural wonders to see, such as a pond, gnarled old trees and an abundance of wildlife.

Be warned that there are numerous kissing gates and turnstiles in the area which might be tricky for wheelchair users or those with pushchairs to navigate.

If you need to stop off for a rest and a refreshment, make sure to visit The Orchard café, which places a strong emphasis on locally sourced, organic, fair trade products.

Download a Worcester Woods Guide at the following website: https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/downloads/file/5091/worcester_woods_guide

4. Grafton Flyford Hairstreak Butterfly Trail

If you want to spend the majority of your morning exploring the Worcestershire countryside, home to the brown hairstreak butterfly, then this long walk is ideal for you.

It will take over three hours to complete as there are 6.5 miles of ground to cover.

The route begins at Three Parish Hall in Himbleton Village; from there, you will travel through Grafton Wood and Earls Common.

Discover more about this route online.

5. Fox Trail at Ankerdine Common Picnic Place, near Knightwick

(Photo © Richard Webb (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Want to get out of the house for a walk but don’t have a lot of time to spare?

If so, this walking route is perfect.

It’s only half a mile long, but the undulating paths and hills will get your blood pumping and help to clear your mind.

Once you reach the summit of the hills, you can enjoy gorgeous views across the Teme Valley- there is also a picnic area here.

Visitors regularly spot buzzards here, as well as many species of flowers and fungi.

It’s not suitable for wheelchairs mobility scooters or pushchairs as it has some steps and the path is uneven.