As Christmas fades and for many of us the calories pile on after the copious amounts of food and drink, we all naturally start thinking about our New Year resolutions and how we will achieve them.
For the residents of Hoylake, Meols and West Kirby heading out into the fresh air, greeting other locals and walking along the beach is an age old tradition in the area.
Interestingly though, everyone taking part in this tradition are unconsciously doing something that is scientifically proven to promote good health and well being for the body and mind.
Blue Health is fast becoming a medicine for our modern day stresses and worries. An article featured in The Guardian says "There are three established pathways by which the presence of water is positively related to health, wellbeing and happiness. First, there are the beneficial environmental factors typical of aquatic environments, such as less polluted air and more sunlight. Second, people who live by water tend to be more physically active – not just with water sports, but walking and cycling.
Third – and this is where blue space seems to have an edge over other natural environments – water has a psychologically restorative effect. Spending time in and around aquatic environments has consistently been shown to lead to significantly higher benefits, in inducing positive mood and reducing negative mood and stress, than green space does."
Read the full enlightening article from The Guardian. CLICK HERE.
Here on the Wirral, we need Blue Health more than ever. Did you know,
1. The Wirral is third highest in country for mental health spending.
AND
2. Wirrals obesity figures show borough is worst in UK.
Source:
The Wirral Globe published an article on August 2021 CLICK HERE .
The Liverpool Echo published in Dec 2020.CLICK HERE
The pandemic has caused increased mental health issues and reduced physical activity for some. We (did) have this fantastic free resource, the beach, that can do a lot of good for residents. But unfortunately, Wirral Borough Council (WBC) are intent on developing it into a salt marsh, which as the months continue without any beach management will significantly prohibit people from using it in the future, because of the growth.
With the above articles in mind, why aren't WBC utilising this asset that they know can host a multitude of activities and encourage people to get onto the shore?
WBC have not consulted residents or businesses in the area nor have they created a test site to determine the effects of ceasing the beach maintenance plan. This has contributed to residents increased stresses and worries.
A lot of local residents are now so saddened by the state of the beach they don't walk there anymore, the visual sight disheartens people that its having a negative effect on people. We have numerous anecdotal messages supporting this from our supporters.
Cllr Liz Grey, the councillor who has the authority to immediately continue the beach maintenance plan has acknowledged how much of a great resource the beach is, see below.
:: Hoylake Beach Community, is a voluntary group who have been asking WBC since the formation in October 2021 for a compromise that will suit all.
The community group are campaigning for the restoration of PART* of the beach for recreation & relaxation with the remaining part being left to re-wild for nature and wildlife.
*The section along North Parade from Kings Gap to the New RNLI station.
Hoylake Beach Community are not affiliated with any other group.
HBC only use two forms of online communication. This website and a Facebook group which anyone is welcome to request to join. Search Hoylake Beach Community. HBC do not use any other social media.
- We have a petition of over 13,000 signatures Click Here to sign
- And a Justgiving account which allows us to continue with our cause Click Here to donate
If you like what you've read, please help our cause by sharing on social media - links below.
If you can, please email / write to non- supporting councillors, Lib Dem, Green and Independent Councillors. Councillor contact details on the below link:
Thank you!
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