UK green space charity, Fields in Trust, is inviting people
to take part in a national celebration of parks and green spaces on “Have a
Field Day”, Saturday 6th July.
Thousands of people across the UK are expected to come
together once again this summer for picnics with their friends and neighbours
to celebrate why green spaces are so special to the local communities who visit
them and care for them.
Research published by Fields in Trust demonstrates that using
local green spaces improves physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Community events in parks are also a great way to connect
with neighbours, enabling ourselves and other people to feel more supported and
less alone. So, on “Blue Monday” – the most depressing day of the year – Fields
in Trust is encouraging people to lift the gloom and look forward to the long,
hot days of summer when we can get out to for a picnic in the park with friends
and neighbours to celebrate our glorious green spaces.
The third Monday of January has been identified as “Blue
Monday” - when post-Christmas unhappiness, cold weather, dark nights and the
impact of overspending all combine to make this the unhappiest time of the
year.
However, the days are gradually getting longer and summer
afternoons at the local park will be back before we know it, so to lighten the
mood, Fields in Trust are inviting people to plan a summer picnic.
Have a Field Day on Saturday 6th July is an opportunity for people to champion their local
parks and green spaces by enjoying spending time in them, at the same time as
joining a movement of fellow park users across the UK. These green spaces are
good, they do good and by championing them through Have a Field Day people can
help to protect them for good.
Fields in Trust Policy Manager Alison McCann said: “Our
research shows that parks and green spaces have an important role in society
and can help to transform lives where communities can come together, tackling
social isolation and loneliness, as well as contribute to improved mental and
physical health and help to tackle the childhood obesity crisis.
"However, first and foremost they are places for play,
sport and recreation; Have a Field Day is a way to celebrate all the positive
things we love about the UK's parks and green spaces”
Fields in Trust was founded by King George V in 1925 and is a
UK charity that actively champions parks and green spaces by protecting them in
perpetuity. Over 2,800 spaces have been protected since our foundation. In 1934
- 85 years ago - the first Playing Fields Day was held; Have a Field Day is the
current version of this earlier commemoration.
Held every year on the first Saturday in July, Have a Field
Day in 2018 saw an estimated 30,000 people across the UK come together to
celebrate their parks and green spaces. Over 100 events ranged from small
community picnics to large parties and fetes. In 2019 park users are again
encouraged to champion their local green spaces with picnics as well as events
which reflect how the spaces serve their local communities.
If you are interested in planning a Have a Field Day picnic
in your park on Saturday 6th July 2019, visit the Fields in Trust website, www.fieldsintrust.org/have-a-field-day, to find out more and
sign-up. All registered picnics will receive a free support pack through the
post including bunting, posters and activity cards.
Participating in Have a Field Day is a way
for communities to champion their green spaces, call for their protection from
development and raise awareness of the positive impact they have on our health
and wellbeing.
