One of our Residents has created a new unofficial WhatsApp Group for the Estate that promotes the beauty that is our Estate. Here Residents are invited to share photos and information on the diverse flora and fauna found on Estate. One thing is certain – this is certainly a special place as revealed by this selection of photos shared on the group (and republished with permission).

Spending just a few minutes a day outside can give you a multitude of benefits, here are five reasons why:



1.    Improves your short-term memory. The University of Michigan found that those who go for regular walks in nature are able to retain information better than those who don’t. Good news for those of us still working from home.

2.    Helps reduce stress. A study, led by Daniel Brown from the School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester found that spending just five minutes a day in nature helps reduce the effects of stress. Walking gets your blood flowing and heart pumping, which also helps to lower stress levels.

3.    Increase your levels of Vitamin D. Just a 15 minutes a day in the winter sun aids in Vitamin D, which in turn helps improve your health. Nature also helps to boost your immune system, which is a big benefit during this time of colds, flu and Covid-19.

4.    Inspire your creative side. Spending time outside with all the sights, smells and sounds helps to get those creative juices flowing.

5.    Best of all – increases happiness. Taking a walk or exercising outdoors increases your levels of serotonin, boosts your mood, improves your wellbeing and helps you to feel happier and healthier.