PEOPLE across Somerset are being encouraged to stay active and keep moving throughout October.
The Get Outside in Somerset project is launching the Active Autumn Challenge, urging participants to mix up their daily local exercise with a range of different ideas to help them have fun and stay healthy.
Time spent moving outside can help boost your mood, sharpen your focus, reduce stress and improve sleep.
Anyone who fancies having a go can download the Active Autumn Challenge calendar HERE.
Ideas include something for all ages and levels of fitness, from paddleboarding to blackberry picking, to having a ‘leaf confetti’ photoshoot.
People are being encouraged to share their Active Autumn Challenge photos and videos on social media using #GetOutsideActiveAutumn.
The Get Outside in Somerset project is a joint initiative from Somerset Activity and Sport Partnership (SASP), The Community Council for Somerset (CCS), Spark Somerset, and Somerset Wildlife Trust, funded by Somerset County Council Public Health.
Jane Knowles, SASP chief executive officer, said: “It's tempting to let the cooler days allure you into hibernation.
"But there are lots of activities best done in autumn, from stargazing to pumpkin picking, and crafting to wildlife spotting.
“That’s why we have created the Active Autumn Challenge. There is a different activity to enjoy every day, or mix things up if the activity doesn’t suit you on that day.”
Cllr Clare Paul, County Hall cabinet member for public health, said: “The Active Autumn Challenge is a good way to get inspired into keeping fit and includes activity ideas that work for families, groups or individuals.
"Being outdoors and exercising is so important for our mental and physical wellbeing, and this is a great initiative to promote those benefits.”
Visit the website to meet the Get Outside local ambassadors for tips, inspiration and guidance on how and where to get active outdoors.
The website includes regularly updated information about activities in Somerset, and you can narrow down your search by location or the type of activity you are interested in.
From yoga in the park, fishing and geocaching to cycling, climbing and forest bathing, there is something for everyone.
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