Members of the public are invited to experience the waterways, wildflower meadows, grasslands, and the woods of Terryland Forest Park in a short nature walk on Saturday, May 13, at 10am. Participants are scheduled to meet at the ‘Plots’ playing pitches on Dyke Road, and the walk will take approximately 45 minutes to complete. It is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The walk is supported by the Terryland Forest Park Alliance, and it aims to increase public awareness of the wonderful rich mix of natural landscapes in the heart of the city.
“Galway is unique among Irish cities in possessing a diverse range of natural green spaces close to its urban centre,” said Brendan Smith of the Terryland Park Alliance. “This is particularly true of the Dyke Road catchment area that connects the wetlands of the River Corrib to the grasslands and woodlands of the Terryland Forest Park, as well as to the rural farmlands of Menlo and Castlegar.’’
These beautiful ‘green jewels of the city’ are just waiting to be experienced first-hand by the city’s population. Citizens of all ages should take part in this journey of discovery, and uncover the world of nature that exists on our doorstep.
Galway has been granted the European ‘Green Leaf’ status this year, and we have to give due recognition to the fundamental importance of green spaces, particularly forests, to human wellbeing and health. This fact is being increasingly borne out by science, as the Earth moves towards becoming an ‘Urban Planet’, with more and more people living in crowded cities covered in concrete and tarmac. Scientific research shows that walking in natural landscapes and among trees has a beneficial impact on stress, fatigue, aggression, feelings of depression, and physical health as well.
‘’Trees also have another health bonus; they are the most effective way to tackle air pollution, by filtering out the toxic particles that emanate from motorised vehicle traffic, which can contribute to cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous illness, and death. This is most critical in Galway city, which has one of the highest levels of air pollution in Ireland.’’
Paul Gillen, a health promotion officer for HSE, recognises that supporting the development of amenities within the city is key to promoting health, and supporting people to make healthy lifestyle choices. This is central to the ‘Healthy Ireland’ agenda, and the ‘Get Ireland Active’ initiative. ‘’Our young people are experiencing an alarming disconnect with nature, with only five percent of children having ever climbed a tree, compared to seventy-four percent of their parents’ generation, with twenty percent of teenagers experiencing some form of mental health illness, and with twenty-five percent overweight or obese, we need to get out and enjoy the natural environment more so than ever before.
‘’By taking part in this walk, we hope that the citizens of Galway will start to become cognisant of the health, social, and environmental benefits in protecting and connecting with the city’s areas of natural beauty and biodiversity.’’
For more information on the nature walk, contact Brendan Smith at 087 293 5106.
