Tameside's Countryside can seriously improve your Health!

The countryside can be seen as a great outpatient department whose therapeutic value is yet to be fully realised'
Scource: Natural Fit by Dr William Bird

Tameside's countryside is a great place for exercise and, as well as being good for the body, it's good for the soul!

Research has shown time and time again that it is not just physical health benefits that are associated with visiting the countryside. It also provides opportunities to relax, find peace, inspiration and contemplation, thereby improving the sense of well-being.

As well as the many informal activities that you can make use of in the countryside of Tameside, from the widespread availability of walking and cycling routes to spending time with the family having a picnic, the Countryside Service also provides more formal opportunities for health and well-being such as...

Countryside Events and Activities

A great way to enjoy the countryside and start to improve your fitness is to join Tameside Countryside Service on one of the many activities offered as part of the countryside events programme. There is something for everyone, from bird box building and hedgelaying to short woodland strolls and all day rambles over the moors. As well as the obvious health benefits the events are a great way to meet people and make new friends and above all else they are fun! View the latest events programme.

Volunteering

More than 1100 days each year are completed by volunteers working in the countryside of Tameside and are an essential part of the Countryside Service. Approximately 80% of volunteering is devoted to physically active activities such as conservation projects and assisting with the events and activities programme. View more details about the Voluntary Ranger Service.

Did you know?

• Regular exercise can half the risk of coronary heart disease, particularly in men who walk briskly.
• It is estimated that by 2020 half of all children could be obese.
• The risk of having a stroke is three times higher in those who do little or no exercise.
• Regular walking can help to reduce weight and maintain weight loss.
• Regular exercise significantly reduces the chance of developing Type II diabetes.
• Mortality is halved in retired men who walk more than 2 miles every day.
• The World Health Organisation estimates that depression will become the greatest source of ill health by 2020.
• Regular exercise is associated with a 40 per cent reduction in bowel cancer.