Love Meon Vale

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, we want to share the love for the thing that's been there for us all throughout lockdown: the great outdoors.

Being outside is so important, now more than ever. So we've put together a list of ways you can enjoy your surroundings over lockdown.

LOVE MEON VALE PHOTO COMPETITION

Budding photographer or nature enthusiast? Join in on our Love Meon Vale photo competition. We're looking for photos of what you love about your area: dog walks, family strolls, solitary meanders, spying wildlife or appreciating your local landscape - you name it, we want to see it!

Just send your photo to stmodwen@halogenpr.com by Valentine's Day 14th February 2021 to enter and we'll publish the winning image in our next Meon Vale newsletter. What's more, the winning photographer will receive a £25 Love2Shop voucher.

Happy snapping!

Send us your snaps

THE BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH

You don't even have to step outside your front door to enjoy nature. Join thousands of people taking part to see the drama unfold on your doorstep.

We might not be able to get together with loved ones at the moment, but you can make plans with friends and family to take part in the world’s largest wildlife survey, all from the comfort of your own homes.

From 29-31 January, across the UK the British public is pledging to spend an hour counting the birds they see in their garden or from their balconies. Click the link below to sign up!

ACTIVITIES FOR THE KIDS

The Woodland Trust has put together a great list of activities to get the kids outdoors and entertained this winter. Take a look at their lockdown list for some inspiration, that includes discovering nature, scavenger hunts, feeding your garden birds and even becoming a tree tracker!

Take a look at blogger Lady Birds Adventure's ideas on how to turn a daily walk into an exciting adventure - lots of us at St. Modwen have been using her tips and tricks to keep the little ones entertained over lockdown.

We've also created an activity sheet you can print out and take with you on your daily exercise, so all you have to do now is pull your wellies on and immerse yourselves in nature.

Print out activity sheet

ADD ROUTES TO YOUR ROUTINE

Walking, specifically for exercise, has been the most popular new activity with 30% introducing this into their lockdown regimes according to Nuffield Health. Running, walking and cycling have some huge benefits both physically (burning calories) and mentally (improves mood, builds self-confidence, and helps cope with stress).

Don't know the area yet? Check out Ramblers, or Walking Britain for up to date walking routes where you live. Don’t forget the dog - taking your dog for a walk is good exercise for both of you!

More into running? Use plot a route to help add some variation into your normal routes and routine.

Prefer two wheels? Well CyclingUK have got you covered with county and area cycling guides as well as a journey planner tool to make sure you find your way back home again.

Got the nature bug and want more ideas? Visit Get Outside for more ways to explore the outdoors while staying local. Before planning any trip, make sure you're sticking to the local Covid-19 government guidelines.

Remember: take only photos, leave only footprints.

All the best
The St. Modwen Team