For many UK house buyers, the dream isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about a lifestyle. And increasingly, that lifestyle includes a connection to nature. But is living amidst greenery just a nice-to-have, or does it offer real tangible benefits?
The Power of Green Spaces
According to the mental health charity Mind, spending time in nature is proven to boost our mood, increase our physical activity, reduce stress and aid relaxation and more developments such as Graven Hill committed to offering better places to live by providing green spaces within and close to the new communities.
Whether your garden is large or small, or part of a wider, living, landscape the way that gardens are created and maintained can influence the natural world and wildlife.
Here’s a few reasons why surrounding yourself with nature is a smart move:
· Boosts Mental Wellbeing: Feeling stressed? A walk in a park can do wonders. Studies show that exposure to green spaces lowers stress hormones and improves mood. Even watching nature documentaries can provide a mental health boost!
· Encourages Physical Activity: Living near parks, woodlands, or even canals encourages you to get active. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a bike ride, or simply playing in the garden with the kids, nature motivates movement.
· Enhances Physical Health: Sunlight helps our bodies produce serotonin, a hormone that affects your mood, appetite and sleep. Vitamin D which we absorb direct from sunlight is also essential for our health.
· Supports Biodiversity: Biodiversity is the essence of our planet’s survival. Complex ecosystems support the survival of all wildlife on earth – and are essential to our own existence, providing us with everything we need to live including clean water, food sources, medicine and raw materials for shelter.
Making the Most of Your Natural Surroundings
So, you’ve found a home with a garden or nearby green space. How do you maximise the benefits? Here are a few ideas:
· Grow Your Own: Even a small patch of herbs or vegetables can be incredibly rewarding. Plus, you’ll be eating fresh, healthy produce. Or, start a compost bin – transform kitchen and garden waste into a nutrient-rich organic matter that you can add to your garden.
· Get Birdwatching: It’s a relaxing hobby that connects you with the natural world. The RSPB’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch is a great way to start. A simple bird feeders will instantly help attract different species to your garden or balcony.
· Build a Bug Hotel: Attract insects to your garden and help pollinate your plants. Easy & cheap options using left over bricks, old pipes or wood can be found with a quick web search.
· Join a Community Garden: Connect with your neighbours and help your local area blossom.
· Litter Pick: A simple way to keep your neighbourhood clean and tidy while getting some exercise. · Nature Bracelets: Children will love picking up fallen leaves and flowers and sticking them to masking tape or string (sticky side out!) around their wrist when going for a walk.
· Help the hedgehog: The humble little hog is now endangered and need every bit of help we can offer. Think about installing a hog highway in your garden fence to allow them to access a wider feeding area or install a hog house for nesting and a feeder. Feeders can be made easily from an old plastic storage box and kitten biscuits are a cheap and ideal food for them.
Graven Hill: A Prime Example of Nature-Rich Living
If you’re looking for a location that truly embraces nature, look no further than the Graven Hill development in Bicester. This unique and growing community is designed with green spaces at its heart. Graven Hill offers residents the chance to buy their dream homes surrounded by beautiful countryside, parks, and walking trails. It’s a place where you can truly connect with nature and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer with the convenience of Bicester and Oxford nearby.