Woodland walks are so much more than mere relaxation

G. Dale tells how woodland walking helped recovery from a back injury

I started walking for my health after slipping a disc a couple of years ago. It's still the most painful thing ever to happen to me and I spent months not able to move properly.

After finishing my physiotherapy, I found myself a couple of stone heavier and utterly miserable at not being able to get out and about. I live in the countryside and I am lucky enough to live within metres of beautiful woodland. When I started to get better, I began to explore it as I found the soft ground easier on my back, there was nobody rushing me or bumping into me and I could go at my own pace. I now make sure I walk every day, in all weather.

Woodlands are amazing places and I marvel at how different it can be every day, and in every season. The wildlife is incredible, the trees are stunning and I now can't imagine not walking every day. I've lost a stone so far and am proud of how much progress I've made.