Going green is good

As our urban areas grow taller and sprawl wider, studies prove that time spent in green spaces has a positive effect on physical and mental wellbeing.  The latest research shows these spaces offer social, environmental and financial benefits too. 

What Are Green Spaces? 

The term ‘green spaces’ encompasses a wide variety of settings from more urban rooftop gardens and roadside greenery to the countryside’s rolling hills and woodlands. There’s no minimum requirement for a space to be considered green, pocket parks and playgrounds can have just as positive an impact as meandering meadow. 

Green spaces can be found in different private and public settings including: 

Gardens, parks and playgrounds
Woodland walking and cycling trails
Coastal, lakeside or riverside paths
Community sports fields and play areas

Bishop's Palace Gardens, Chichester

Bishops Palace Garden in Chichester (courtesy Chichester BID)

Green Means Go

We’re lucky in West Sussex to have a diverse mix of countryside and coastline including many Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the South Downs, England’s newest National Park. 

10 ways to get your green fix in and around Chichester, West Sussex:

A wildlife safari in Arundel

Book a boat safari at Arundel Wetland Centre and keep an eye out for kingfishers as you float through some of the 60-acre nature reserve. While in the neighbourhood be sure to check out the nearby Arundel Contemporary independent arts gallery, dedicated to exhibiting and promoting contemporary British and International artists. 

Adventures in the South Downs

Star gaze in the South Downs National Park – one of only 16 international dark skies reserves – and one of the best places for stargazing in the entire UK. See if you can spot the seven stone carvings along the Heathlands Sculpture Trail, inspired by former resident Alfred Lord Tennyson. Afterwards, grab your e-bike or self-drive boat at Riverside South Downs to continue your outdoor adventures. 

Wander at West Dean Gardens

Pack a picnic for under the 300-foot pergola at West Dean Gardens, nestled among the spring gardens with flint bridges. For locally grown produce and baked goods, stop by the West Dean Stores or book in at the Tea Rooms. 

Chichester's hidden green space

Explore the oasis of Bishop’s Palace Gardens, a public park hidden within Chichester’s busy centre. Dating from the 1100s, the gardens have recently refurbished with additional seating. Refreshed and inspired by your time in the garden, stop by Luckes Botanical or North Street bistro or head to Chichester’s newest food court, The Ghost at The Feast.

Tree Tunnel

Traverse a tunnel of trees on your way up the well-marked Halnaker Windmill trail, where you’ll find the iconic windmill built in 1740. From there you’re just a short hop away from the impressive vineyards of Tinwood Estate, worth a tour in their own right or you can book an overnight stay or afternoon tea. 

Kingley Vale's Yew Forest

Discover Devil’s Humps on the downland ridgeway of Kingley Vale. A designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation, it has one of Europe’s most impressive yew forests including some trees over 2,000 years old – the oldest living organisms in Great Britain.  From here head to The Earl of March for another historic occasion – local records show it’s where William Blake wrote Jerusalem in 1803. 

West Sussex Lavender

The family run farm, Lordington Lavender, holds annual Open Days in the summer that include farm tours and information on how they grow and care for the environment and wildlife on the farm.  Stop at the nearby Richmond Arms in West Ashling for a post-tour meal with a beautiful waterside view over the nearby Bosham Stream. 

Wonderful Wildlife

Explore the sheltered inlet expanse of RSPB Pagham Harbour including its internationally important saltmarshes, mudflats, lagoons and reedbeds.  In wintertime at dusk, you might be lucky enough to see (and hear!) hundreds of Dark-bellied Brent Geese and Wigeon pass overhead. Don’t leave without stopping in the 350-year old Crab and Lobster for a locally-sourced lunch. 

Panoramic views

Meander around The Trundle, an Iron-Age hillfort just west of the Goodwood Racecourse. At the top you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Chichester, perhaps extending all the way to the sea. Make an afternoon of it by booking a table at the local favourite The Fox Goes Free.  If you’re hoping for a Sunday lunch, book in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Step back in time

Step back in time to explore 1,000 years of history spread across the 40-acre Weald & Downland Living Museum. Traditionally managed gardens and wildflower meadows support the local eco-system and can even be explored with well-behaved four-legged friends. After working up an appetite, you can enjoy a locally-sourced, seasonal menu at the nearby Farmer Butcher Chef on the Goodwood Estate – also dog friendly! 

Green is good…

For the environment

Green spaces improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and producing oxygen. Plants, trees and other vegetation can reduce the risk of flooding by absorbing rainwater. They also support the replenishment of groundwater supplies. Green spaces encourage biodiversity of plants, animals and insects – promoting ecological equilibrium. 

For health and wellbeing 

Outdoor exercise offers an additional boost of endorphins. Offering all the benefits of a gym with no cost, a simple walk outside can improve cardiovascular health and our overall fitness. Time outdoors has a calming effect on our minds as well, reducing stress and mental fatigue.  

For the community 

Communities come together in green spaces – town greens and local parks are prime gathering spots for inclusive community events. They offer recreation opportunities and provide learning opportunities for residents. Shared gardens for growing food and flowers or local schoolchildren learning about conservation are two examples. 

For the economy 

Properties near green spaces attract higher market values. Green spaces attract tourists and encourage recreation, boosting local economies. The UK has the biggest adventure tourism market in Europe – over £2 billion per annum is spent on camping alone. 

A Green and Pleasant Land

Our temperate climate means the outdoors is accessible all year round, though there’s a reason why Brits talk about the weather so often: it’s a fickle fair-weather friend. Thankfully, Alfred Wainwright’s observations on unsuitable clothing still ring true today, and with a bit of planning and preparation, beautiful green spaces can be enjoyed throughout the seasons. 

Once you’ve dressed for the weather and donned suitable footwear, the best way to engage with the outdoors is offline. While mobiles are great to have along in case of emergencies or for back up maps, going green is best when kept an analogue experience. By all means, take pics for sharing with friends and family to encourage them to join you next time, but then tuck your phone away and engage all five senses in the local environment. 

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