Primary - Securing health benefits 2010 - Norfolk Health, Heritage and Biodiversity Walks

Norfolk County Council (NCC) has developed a series of health walks, based around market towns. Many of these - notably the booklet for Thetford - encompass walks through woodlands and forests.

It is now generally known that contact with natural surroundings offers a restorative environment that enables people to relax, unwind and recharge their batteries, helping to enhance their mood and reduce stress levels.

Regular exercise also helps to prevent a wide range of major conditions, such as coronary heart disease (CHD), Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, strokes, obesity, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, bowel cancel and back pain.

Thus moderate physical activity such as a regular walk in natural surroundings is a simple and enjoyable way of keeping fit. To gain maximum benefit, people need to aim to walk at a pace where their heart beats a little faster, breathing becomes a little heavier and they feel a little warmer.

These circular walks, developed by NCC, have been carefully designed to encourage people to explore the local countryside, discover urban green spaces and to enjoy Norfolk's heritage - both natural and man-made.

Further details about these walks can be found at www.countrysideaccess.norfolk.gov.uk