TODAY (March 30) is National Take a Walk in the Park Day.

Celebrated annually, the unofficial holiday encourages people to get active and enjoy the physical and mental benefits that come from walking in nature.

Getting out into nature has been proven to have a number of therapeutic effects on those who take the time to do it. Their stress levels go down, their heart and mind feel refreshed, their creativity gets inspired, and they become more productive at work. All of this doesn’t even include the physical health benefits they get from walking in the park.

From skate parks to playgrounds and splash zones, some parks have a variety of features to keep everyone occupied.

Statues can also be found paying respects to historical figures. For example, The Queen Victoria Monument at Bitts Park has had the Queen watching over the people of Carlisle since May 7 1902, just over a year after she died.

Virgin Active’s Head of Wellbeing Chemayne Sarwar shared her thoughts on the event to the company’s clients.

She said: “Instinctively, we know that getting outside in the fresh air and having contact with nature is good for us. The last two years have proved difficult for many and nature has provided an outlet, offering relief from the monotony of lockdown.

“For this National Take a Walk in the Park Day, why not take back your commuting time and drink your morning coffee while taking in the brisk morning air, walking around your local park, common or another green space?”

To commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year, everyone from individuals to Scout and Girlguiding groups, villages, cities, counties, schools and corporates have been encouraged to play their part to enhance our environment by planting trees.

With a focus on planting sustainably, the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative will encourage planting of trees to create a legacy in honour of The Queen’s leadership of the Nation, which will benefit future generations.

In today’s nostalgia section, we look back at when Cumbrians have taken to the many parks we get to enjoy across the county.

From heatwaves to sponsored events and those chilly walks with our dogs, we’re lucky to have such wonderful areas to spend time at.