100 Places in Nature
We discover the country’s top 100 green spaces.
Get into nature
New research shows time spent in nature is helping us through lockdown and we discover the country’s top 100 favourite green spaces
•Spending time in nature hailed as one of most positive outcomes of lockdown life
•62% of Brits more positive on days when they’ve spent time outdoors
•Access to a garden or communal green space has become a priority
•New Weleda #100PlacesInNature gives people inspiration on where to visit locally, with
contributions from nature lovers Joss Stone, Erin O’Connor, Lisa Snowden and The Wildlife Trusts
A new study of 2,000 Brits reveals connecting with nature is among the top three benefits to come out of lockdown (24%), after spending more time with family (31%) and having more free time (26%).
The research and list of beautiful and biodiverse green spaces, created as part of our centenary celebrations from suggestions made by the public, experts and Weleda’s nature loving community, reveals the vital role of nature in keeping the nation’s spirits lifted throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.
We have been committed to working in harmony with nature since our first seeds were sown in 1921 and our purpose remains to help people to connect with nature. We created #100PlacesInNature in our 100th year to inspire more people to explore the great outdoors and discover new local areas of natural beauty during lockdown and beyond, to increase our connection with nature.
If you would like to add to the list and nomination your favourite local walking spot, simply drop us a message on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, along with a photograph or tag us by using the hashtag #100PlacesInNature.
The importance of nature during lockdown
A third (34%) say going out for walks helps them cope with lockdown restrictions and 28% find the great outdoors relieves the stress of the pandemic. Almost three-quarters (62%) notice a positive uplift in their mood on days they have spent time in nature.
Over half of Brits (58%) who worked from home spent more time outside during lockdown, compared to pre-pandemic. Almost half (46%) now get out into nature at least 4 times a week. Once lockdown is lifted, two thirds (66%) say they want to spend even more time outdoors.
Top 100 Places In Nature
2.Rousay, Orkney Islands, Scotland 3.The Lake District, Cumbria, England 4.The Caledonian Pine Woods, Glen Affric, Scotland 5.Cadair Idris, Wales 6.Arnside Knott, South Cumbria, England 7.Bempton Cliffs, North Yorkshire, England 8.Morecambe Bay, Lancashire, England 9.Mawddach Estuary, Barmouth, Wales 10.Scampston Hall & Walled Garden, York, England 11.Isle of Wight, England 12.Attenborough Nature Reserve, Nottingham, England 13.Falkland Estate, Fife, Scotland 14.Clent Hills, Clent, England 15.Chatsworth Estate, Derbyshire, England 16.Gylly Beach, Falmouth, Cornwall, England 17.The Weleda Gardens, Derbyshire, England 18.Siccaridge Wood, Gloucestershire, England 19.Puzzlewood, Coleford, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England 20.Aspley Woods, Milton Keynes, England 21.Launde Abbey, East Norton, Leicestershire, England 22.Beth Chatto Gardens, Colchester, England 23.Brecon Beacons, Crickhowell, Wales 24.Rydal Water, The Lakes, Cumbria, England 25.Birnam Oak, Birnam, Perthshire, England 26.Sand Point, Kewstoke, England 27.Conham River Park, Bristol, England 28.Magpie Bottom, Bristol, England 29.Windrush Valley, Cotswolds, England 30.Hawkwood National Trust, Chislehurst, England 31.Bedgebury Park, Goudhurst, England 32.The Quiraing, The Isle of Skye, Scotland 33.Brockwell Park (specifically the walled rose garden), London, England 34.Morden Hall Park, London, England 35.Hambledon Hill, Dorset, England 36.One Tree Hill, Kent, England 37.Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park, London, England 38.Petersham Nurseries, Richmond, London, England 39.Hampstead Heath, London, England 40.Zennor, Cornwall, England 41.The Isles of Scilly, England 42.Dunstable Downs, Chiltern Hills, Bedfordshire, England 43.Blow's Downs Nature Reserve, Bedfordshire, England 44.Beckenham Place Park, Kent, England 45.Brighton, East Sussex, England 46.Ashdown Forest, East Sussex, England 47.Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex, England 48.Newick Park, East Sussex, England 49.Lister Park, Bradford, England 50.Epping Forest, Essex, England | 52.Bushy Park, Teddington, England 53.Withial Combe, Somerset, England 54.Golden Cap, Dorset, England 55.Sissinghurst Castle, Kent, England 56.Applecross, Highland, Scotland 57.Grimspound, Devon, England 58.Ballycastle, Northern Ireland 59.Blackborough Woods, Devon, England 60.Waun Las, National Botanic Gardens of Wales, Wales 61.Embsay Crag, Yorkshire Dales, England 62.St Boniface Down, Isle of Wight, England 63.Dovedale, Peak District, England 64.Gamston Canal, Nottinghamshire, England 65.Sherwood Pines, Edwinstowe, Mansfield, England 66.British Camp, Malvern Hills, England 67.Turn Mill, Ombersley, Worcestershire, England 68.Abberley Hill, Abberley, Worcestershire, England 69.Barton Springs, Bedfordshire, England 70.Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, England 71.Steppingley Lake, Bedfordshire, England 72.Wollaton Park, Nottinghamshire, England 73.Bestwood Country Park, Nottinghamshire, England 74.Elvaston Castle Country Park, Derbyshire, England 75.Salmon’s Leap, the Hermitage, Dunkeld, Perthshire, Scotland 76.Vale of Belvoir, Nottinghamshire, England 77.Graves Park, Sheffield, England 78.Hever Castle, Kent, England 79.Kinver Edge, Staffordshire, England 80.Standish Woods, Cotswolds, England 81.Cathkin Braes, Glasgow, Scotland 82.Fairbrook Gorge, Peak District, England 83.Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh, Scotland 84.Peak District National Park, England 85.Cannock Chase, Staffordshire, England 86.Swansea Bay Beach, Wales 87.Straidkilly, Northern Ireland 88.Slievenacloy, Northern Ireland 89.Balloo Woodland, Northern Ireland 90.Balloo Wetland, Northern Ireland 91.Annstead Dunes, Northumberland, England 92.Briarwood, Northumberland, England 93.East Chevington, Northumberland, England 94.Whitelee, Northumberland, England 95.Roseberry Topping & Captain Cook’s Monument, Great Ayton, England 96.Lickey Hills Country Park, Birmingham, England 97.Rushmere Country Park, Leighton Buzzard, England 98.Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, Yorkshire Dales National Park, England 99.The Cleveland Way, North Yorkshire Moors, England 100.Durham Heritage Coast, Peterlee, England |
Pandemic sparks consumer interest in environmental issues
Over a third (37%) of Brits have become more interested in environmental issues both on a local and global level since the pandemic, rising to half (50%) of those aged 18-34.
Over half (53%) say they connected with nature in new ways such as noticing the seasons changing (21%), spotting wildlife (18%) and plants (17%) they hadn’t noticed before. Some even took the opportunity to bring nature into their homes, growing their own herbs and vegetables (14%) or building nature boxes in their garden (6%).
“Despite the hardships of the pandemic, we have seen a positive shift in attitudes towards nature and the environment. The restrictions have helped us slow down and reconnect with the outside world. Weleda’s purpose, established 100 years ago, has never been more relevant than in today’s world - our products are made entirely from sustainable ingredients sourced responsibly to support both people and planet. We hope that our Top 100 list inspires more people to get into nature, because the positive impact on our minds and bodies is undeniable. Everything we are has its complement in nature, because we are nature.”
Jayn Sterland, Managing Director, Weleda UK & Ireland
For people craving more than their daily exercise in nature, or those unable to get outside, our new digital Open Garden means you can take a virtual stroll and experience unlimited nature, without leaving your home. The app offers 360° views of Weleda Gardens from around the world. Surround yourself with bird song from Brazil, or journey through fields of lavender in Moldova.
Through our inextricable connection with nature, we are nourished and healed. We need nature, and nature needs us – today more than ever.