Allison Homes shares scenic hotspots for Mental Health Awareness Week

This week (Monday 13th to Sunday 19th May) is Mental Health Awareness Week, and in honour of the theme ‘Movement: Moving more for our mental health’, we are highlighting some of the best scenic hotspots near our developments.

Mental Health Awareness Week is organised by the Mental Health Foundation, and this year is focusing on the wellbeing benefits of movement. Moving frequently can massively improve mental health, as it helps to increase energy, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost self-esteem.

To get involved, we are encouraging our employees and residents to visit the beautiful parks near our developments, where they can get active and take in stunning scenery.

Rutland Water

Situated just over six miles away from our Farriers Reach development in Oakham, Rutland Water is the largest man-made reservoir in the UK. Set within over 3,000 acres of countryside, the area is home a 1,000-acre nature reserve and 200 species of bird. Visitors can take a walk around the reservoir on the 23-mile-long path, or enjoy a number of activities, including cycling, water sports and fishing.

Ferry Meadows at Nene Park

Ferry Meadows is at the heart of Nene Park in Peterborough, a 1,750-acre parkland made up of six areas which are all connected by the River Nene. One of the largest country parks in the region, Ferry Meadows has a rich heritage and is home to lakes, meadows and woodlands. The park is within 14 miles of our three Cambridgeshire developments, Abbey Park in Thorney, Harriers Rest in Wittering and Whittlesey Green in Whittlesey.

Norfolk Broads

The Norfolk Broads is a National Park and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty featuring 30 lakes and 63 broads, which are interlinked by a series of seven rivers to form around 200 miles of waterways. Situated on the outskirts of Norwich, just over eight miles from our The Oaks development, the Broads is home to more than a quarter of Britain’s rarest wildlife and 13 ancient monuments.

Dartmoor National Park

In Devon, within 26 miles of our Weavers Place and High Moor View developments, is Dartmoor National Park. With wild, open moorlands, ancient woodlands, deep river valleys, rare wildlife and a rich history, the park offers a perfect escape from the day-to-day. In total, there are 450 miles of paths for visitors to explore, as well as thousands of archaeological sites.

Needham Lake and Nature Reserve

Less than a mile away from our Venus Fields development in Needham Market, Suffolk is Needham Lake and Nature Reserve. The site is home to beautiful wetland areas, meadows and woodlands, with the River Gipping flowing through the middle. Visitors can enjoy both solo and guided walks, fishing and model boating, or even take part in the annual raft race.

Bourne Wood

In Lincolnshire is Bourne Wood, a tranquil and ancient woodland with opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding. The woodland can be found just over six miles away from our The Orchards development in Corby Glen and just under 23 miles from Frampton Gate in Frampton, and features ponds where kingfishers and herons can often be spotted.

Tamar Lakes

Nestled on the Cornwall and Devon border are the Tamar Lakes, two lakes set amongst vibrant countryside. A range of activities are on offer, including kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding, and a three-mile circular path around the upper lake is suitable for walkers and cyclists, meaning there’s something for everyone. Just four and a half miles away is our Primrose Meadows site, and just under 13 miles away is Foxglove View.