Nature walk & talk event in Blandford St. Mary

Keen amblers were invited to explore pastures new as part of a Blandford St. Mary ‘Walk and Talk’ event hosted by a local volunteer and the team at Stour Gate with the event designed to boost mental wellness and encourage social interaction.

Starting and finishing at Retirement Living development, Stour Gate on Barley Place, the walk took place on Friday 9^th August.

The route followed part of the River Stour, which Stour Gate overlooks, where beautiful wildflowers grow and an array of wildlife can be spotted, from swans to kingfishers.

McCarthy Stone hosted the event to create opportunities for its residents to try new hobbies, meet new people and form new friendships, which is part of its ongoing commitment to ensure older people are not isolated, especially as research has revealed 1.4 million older people in the UK are often lonely[1].

Walking has been closely tied to a wealth of health benefits, including improved stamina and heart health. For older people in particular, walking can help to boost mental wellbeing, maintain balance and coordination, and reduce the risk of falls by keeping their joints flexible. Interestingly, in a recent study by McCarthy Stone, walking was revealed as the most popular hobby for the over 45s, with 23% of the 2,000 respondents surveyed classing themselves as avid walkers.

Verity McKay, Divisional Marketing Manager at McCarthy Stone, comments: “With summer in full flow, now’s the perfect time to bring the local community together to explore some of Blandford Saint Mary’s hidden gems. There are so many benefits associated with walking, from enjoying the open air and connecting with nature to keeping your body active. Aside from that, it’s a great way to spend time with others and chat to friends and family whilst taking in the beautiful surroundings. We can’t wait to showcase the charming scenery that surrounds Stour Gate more often.”