With the lighter evenings and sunny weather that spring brings, there is no better time to enjoy the great outdoors. Not only is it hugely enjoyable to be out in our beautiful local area, research shows that it is also very good for our health. Regular walking has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, stroke and some cancers. Research by Public Health England reveals that physical inactivity now rivals smoking as one of the nation’s biggest health problems, responsible for 17% of early deaths in the UK.

As many of you know, my love of the countryside was fostered as I walked through this area's wonderful open countryside as a child. It was great to be out in those exact same fields again last week, when I joined around 50 other members at one of the Hertfordshire Health Walks in Aldenham. We walked at an impressive pace and it was great to see so many people from across Radlett, Bushey and surrounding areas participating. We also effectively had a surgery, discussing many local issues.

Walking as a group is a great way of bringing the community together to enjoy nature, while also promoting health and wellbeing. It was such a pleasure to be walking with so many other residents who clearly share my love of our local environment. It reinforced my determination that we should fight to preserve it so our children and grandchildren can enjoy it as we do. 

I would urge everyone to get their trainers on and explore our local area with friends and family, or join one of our local Hertfordshire health walks. Chatting as you walk along means that you don’t notice the miles you clock up on the way!

If anyone would like to find out more or to join a Hertfordshire Health Walk, please go to: http://www.hertslink.org/cms/healthwalks/.

• This article was published in the June 2016 issue of MyRadlett and MyBushey News