The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world and Cambridgeshire one of the most nature-depleted counties. With below average tree cover, more land given over to agriculture than the national average, and the government earmarking Cambridge for 150,000 new homes, it can feel like we’re being swallowed up by urban sprawl.

Yet even in Cambridgeshire there are wild places to be found and enjoyed, and even on the darkest of days, in the grey gloom of mid-winter, you can find something to lift your mood if you go out and look for it.

That is why, every weekend in 2024, I’ll be sharing a walk that can be enjoyed within 45 minutes of Cambridge and celebrating the nature we have on our doorstep. I’m not a rambler or a wildlife expert. You don’t need to walk for miles or know the names of everything you see to enjoy the many benefits of getting outdoors. You just have to appreciate it. The more we can all do that, the more inclined we’ll feel to protect and improve what we have.

If you have any favourite local walks do let me know - I love finding somewhere new to explore :)