Thetford Forest among top walks for our wellbeing

14 May 2019, 08:39 | Updated: 14 May 2019, 08:40

Thetford Forest's Fir Trail has been chosen as one of the best walks in the country for our wellbeing.

It's made a top ten list compiled by Forestry England.

"This trail is perfect for those wanting to get away from it all and enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest," they said.

"Far away from the visitor centre this trail takes you into the heart of the forest, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere with all your senses."

It's as a team of researchers from across Europe are praising the transformative impacts of forests on mental health.

For two years, European health and wellbeing experts, Forest Europe, have been reviewing evidence on the benefits of spending time in forests.

The experts say that just 2 or 3 short visits a week can dramatically improve mental health.

There is strong scientific evidence that visiting a forest can improve your mood, your attention span, and even enhance psychological stress recovery.

Walking among trees can reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, while improving mood and lowering anxiety. It also boosts the immune system from breathing in phytoncides, which trees emit to protect themselves from germs and insects.