Glasgow workers should get out at lunchtime, SNH says. Photo: Tom Finnie/SNH
Workers in Scotland’s biggest city are being urged to get back in touch with nature.
Scottish Natural Heritage is pushing Glasgow’s workers to get out into the open during their lunchtime.
Last year, the Scottish Recreation Survey found only 48 per cent of Scottish adults visited the outdoors more than once a week, yet open air recreation has health and wellbeing benefits.
Ross Johnston, the SNH area manager said: “Contact with nature helps us relax and recharges our batteries. Many of us who live in towns and cities feel cut off from nature but we’re lucky to have lots of green places to go in and around Glasgow – even if it’s just a bench under a tree or a patch of wild land.
“Rather than staying inside at lunchtime, leave life’s stresses and strains behind and enjoy your lunch in the open air, feed the birds or go for a walk in the rain or sun – and let your mind wander.”
The Scottish Government’s advisory body has produced 53,000 copies of the Simple Pleasures, Easily Found in Glasgow leaflet, which will be delivered to city households this week.
It highlights four trails across the city that are easy to get to: Glasgow Green, the Forth & Clyde Canal Walkway, the White Cart Water and the River Kelvin Walkway.
Another publication, Get Out and About in Glasgow, gives details of over 60 places to enjoy nature in and around the city, from Greenock in the West to Lanark and Cumbernauld in the East.
It includes parks, wild places, visitor attractions, paths and trails, and gives directions and a list of facilities. Both leaflets give suggestions for simple, free activities to do when out. A new leaflet detailing places to visit in the east End of Glasgow will be available in September.
Free leaflets are being handed out in the city centre this week, along with a limited number of free cool-bags. Food outlets will be using sandwich bags and coffee cup holders printed with suggestions for lunchtime activities. And a free mini book, designed to dangle from a bag and containing activity ideas, will be available next month.
