As students, many of us have recently been met with a readjustment within our lives: university living. Whether you are a first year, who has never stepped foot in Canterbury before this year, or a second or third year who has decided to spend this year living away from home and in the city, your change of address can bring on many different challenges. Perhaps we don’t click with our new housemates in a way we might have hoped, maybe we’re not a fan of our new room, or could it be that we just don’t know what to do with our days when we’re not at uni? Now always know that the university is here to offer support with the major things, whether its financial struggles, mental health, or tips from the careers department (I’ll make sure to link those below), but for those of us who are suffering from self-diagnosed cabin fever I’m here to offer some advice. Step outdoors.

Now that may not seem like the best news upon first reading this, because yes, stepping outside is scary and perhaps that indoor comfort may still feel like the better option. However, studies show that there is a significant link to time spent in nature and having an overall positive wellbeing after the experience. The Mental Health Foundation have stated that “nature can generate many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, and creativity and can facilitate concentration” therefore greatly contributing to healthy student living and even having a beneficial impact on those with struggling mental health. We share an ancient connection nature, and whilst not taking it for granted, it’s here for us to enjoy.

One of the great things about Canterbury is that it’s small and so easy to get around, dotted with easy-access green spaces for you to relax in. This city is home to natural hotspots perfect for studying, socialising, or just breathing in sweet fresh air, and they are each only a short walk from your front door.

So, here are 5 natural spaces in Canterbury to get you started.

Campus

Whilst it is a space dedicated to learning, it is also home to several little gardens in which you can surround yourself in biodiversity. The pond area outside of Touchdown maybe an obvious to some, however in the rush of a busy uni day, take a moment to stop and look at the fish, because simply put, fish are cool! We also have lots of other little gardens around campus. I strongly recommend just wandering down the little paths between the buildings you don’t know to try and find one (you probably will). It would also be a waste of this blog not to mention the Johnson Wellbeing Garden, one of the calmest spots on campus where we can sit and breathe through the chaos of our busy lives. The Wellbeing Garden is also where a great majority of the weekly Wednesday Potter and Prune Sessions take place which, through gardening, is a great opportunity to get truly out and amongst nature.

Dane John Gardens

Located over the bridge across from Pin Hill and an underpass away from Augustine House, take a trip to Dane John Gardens. From the avenues of trees to the grassy spots lined with flowerbeds, Dane John is a great day-time venue to sit, relax and soak up some sunshine. Bring a friend and a picnic and count the hours go by. The gardens are also located next to the top end of the high street and Whitefriars so is an ideal spot to visit after a day out shopping (maybe even with a Greggs sausage roll). Lastly, if you have time, make your way up the windy path to the top of the Dane John Mound where you’ll find one of the best views in this historic city.

Westgate Gardens

On the complete other side of the high street sits the Westgate Gardens. A calming walk in the winter, an idyllic walk in the summer as the gardens come alive with colourful flowers. Sitting humbly next the iconic Westgate arch, the gardens are a hugely popular to tourists and home to the extensive River Stour. Just passing through here makes for a great activity on its own, or bring a couple of sandwiches and snacks, and in shade or sunshine, enjoy this as another of Canterbury’s perfect picnic spots.

Abbots Mill Garden and Riverside Walk

Follow the Stour down towards Sainsburys and you’ll find two of Canterbury’s lesser celebrated but equally enjoyable nature spots. The Abbot’s Mill Garden is a great place to clear your head and relax to the sounds of the rushing water as it passes by the old mill. Pass over the bridges, head further down the river and walk towards Parham Student Village to witness one of Canterbury’s most lively ecosystems. Ducks, swans and brown rats are amongst the popular settlers, but heron and cormorants also occasionally drop by. Become one with the nature with a bag of bird seed to become the druid you always knew you were.

Canterbury Cathedral Grounds

Make the most of your student status, wave your student card and gain access to the Cathedral and its grounds for free! The Cathedral itself is of course worthy of a visit, but many forget that this is a space you can return to again and again. Stroll through the grounds, take in the historic building’s exterior or just feel free to sit with a coffee and catch up with your mate. Also find within the Cathedral grounds a ‘secret’ door in the old city wall which makes for a great cut through when heading from uni into town or vice versa (just once again you will need your student ID). In one of the most historic sites across the UK, the pleasant green spaces, and with its unique student perks, the Cathedral grounds offer the perfect way to truly embrace life as a student in Canterbury.

There are of course plenty more nature hotspots throughout the city and in the surrounding area, but unfortunately this blog needs to have its end. We at the Student Green Office hope this will act as happy little starters guide for your nature outings. As mentioned, being exposed to nature can have a great impact on your mental well-being, but don’t forget we may not realise that there are others around us who may also relish from a nature top up. Share this list with a friend or classmate who might need it, or better yet, become their tour guide. Spending time with others outdoors is a great way to make memories and grow friendships.

This time you have at university is a great opportunity to expand on your relationship with nature. The benefits that nature provides is enough of a reason as any that it needs to be protected. With that in mind, keep an eye on our blogs to see how you can continue to look after and enjoy our natural world.

Further reading for university support:

• Student Support and Wellbeing
• Financial Support
• Careers and Enterprise Hub

By Harry Cooper, Former SGO Project Officer