Winter Walk Challenge

Winter is a challenging time for wildlife and people alike. Having less access to natural light and finding less opportunities to socialise outside can have detrimental effects on our health and well-being.

An estimated 2 million people in the UK suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) every year, which causes low moods, increased sleep, and reduced activity.

Spending time outside in natural light can alleviate the symptoms of SAD, reducing feelings of stress, enhancing your physical health, and improving your confidence and self-esteem. Although it may be tempting to hibernate indoors this winter, we can combat the winter blues by putting on our warmest coat and heading out into nature.

The Winter Walk Challenge has been introduced by the Sevenoaks Greensand Commons Project to encourage local people to stay active this winter. Even in the wintertime, the Commons are alive with birdsong and flushed with vibrant colours. Tracks in the mud reveal the trails of nocturnal mammals gallivanting in the night and hardy fungi species adorn fallen deadwood.

The Winter Walk Challenge will provide you with hints and tips on what to see and when and where to see it. Running from late December to early February, the challenge is designed to give residents of Sevenoaks, Westerham and Seal their daily dose of nature. Learn to identify animal tracks, bird calls and plant species! Observe the wild spaces on your doorstep as they transform over winter into early spring! A map of the Commons, parking and public transport details and more will be provided to help you visit an exciting new location every week. 

Download your pack today