If you’re craving fresh air, open skies and a little everyday magic, you’re not alone. Lucy and Grant Rowley have built a nature-loving world in Cumbria that invites us all to step outside and feel better from the inside out.
Lucy Rowley spends her time outdoors with her husband, Grant and their four children and they’ve made it their life’s work to help others do the same with their gorgeous site. Together, they run nature-based business Into The Woods that not only encourages people to reconnect with the outdoors and have fun, but also gives back to the planet in a big way. Just this year, they’ve planted over 20,000 trees, a testament to their love of the environment they live in.
From their farm, you can follow a breathtaking five-mile walk that winds through woodland and riverside paths, taking in the enchanting ancient sandstone of Lacy’s Caves and the mystical stone circle of Long Meg. It’s a reminder that adventure, beauty, and peace are often closer than we think.
In our fast-paced, screen-centric world, it’s easy to forget just how much the great outdoors can offer. From improving mental health to boosting physical wellbeing, spending time outside is essential for a balanced and fulfilling life. Whether it’s a stroll through the park or an adventurous hike up a mountain, the benefits of getting outdoors are endless.
Here are just a few reasons why embracing nature should be a priority in your life:
1. Mental Health Boost
There’s something undeniably soothing about being surrounded by nature. Research shows that spending time outside can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The simple act of stepping into fresh air, breathing deeply, and immersing yourself in the natural world can have immediate calming effects.
Even a 20-minute walk through a green space can help clear your mind, improve focus, and enhance your mood. No need for a grand expedition, sometimes, just stepping outdoors and letting nature do its thing is enough to reset your mind.
2. Physical Health Benefits
Nature is the perfect setting for movement and fitness. Activities like hiking, biking, or even gardening can raise your heart rate, build strength, and support cardiovascular health, no treadmill required.
Lucy and Grant’s sites, Silva and Gaddalands, offer outdoor play areas that encourage movement and fun. At Silva, you can enjoy table tennis, darts, or zip down a slide, while Gaddalands invites group games like rugby, hockey, slacklines, rounders, and even cricket on the grass. These spaces are intentionally designed to get people outside and active, all without screens, and with loads of fresh air.
3. Improved Sleep Quality
Have you noticed how a day outdoors leads to better sleep? That’s thanks to sunlight’s role in regulating your circadian rhythm. Natural light exposure during the day helps you wind down more easily at night.
Whether you’re exploring ancient woodland, enjoying a game of rounders, or relaxing by the river, the mix of physical activity and natural daylight helps reset your internal clock and can lead to more restful, refreshing sleep.
4. Stronger Connections with Others
Spending time outdoors creates the perfect setting to bond with family and friends. Shared experiences, like a walk to Long Meg or an afternoon game of cricket, build stronger relationships and more meaningful memories.
At both Silva and Gaddalands, there’s no WiFi by design. Instead of scrolling, guests are encouraged to connect with each other through play, exploration, and conversation. Whether it’s gathering around a firepit or chasing each other through the trees, it’s the kind of quality time we all crave.
5. Boosted Creativity and Productivity
Nature is a proven creativity booster. Time outdoors clears mental fog and helps spark fresh ideas. Whether you’re journaling by the river or thinking through a problem on a walk, the natural world invites inspiration.
If you find yourself stuck or stressed, just step outside even for a little while. You’ll be amazed how much easier it is to focus and create when surrounded by nature’s rhythm.
6. A Sense of Adventure and Exploration
One of the best things about the outdoors is that it constantly invites discovery. Lucy and Grant’s farm walk alone includes ancient history, hidden pathways, and wide-open skies perfect for anyone longing for a bit of everyday magic.
You don’t need to travel far to find adventure. Whether it’s a sunrise over the hills, spotting wildlife in the woods, or discovering ancient stones with a story to tell, nature offers endless wonders to explore.
So, what can we takeaway from this?
Incorporating more time outdoors into your life isn’t just good for you it’s essential. Whether you’re looking to recharge, get active, reconnect with loved ones, or simply breathe a little deeper, the outdoors offers what you need.
So the next time you feel stuck to a screen or overwhelmed by your to-do list, take a leaf out of Lucy and Grant’s book: step outside. Walk among the trees, kick a ball across a field, explore a trail, or just sit and listen to the wind.
To experience their world (and maybe even unplug for a few days) learn more about their mission and sites at IntoTheWoods and get a stay in fab tree house or booked into their glamping site
