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EDITORIAL: LEE VALLEY REGIONAL PARK

Lee Valley Regional Park - a diverse destination

Green spaces and leisure activities contribute to better mental and physical health, but they are also a true focal point for the community. Lee Valley Regional Park is not only a park for the local community but for the region too, and with a unique mix of riverside trails, nature reserves, open waterways and different leisure facilities, there's plenty for everyone to discover. Every day, the tranquil and leafy banks of the River Lee - the heart of the Regional Park - attract fishers, boaters, walkers, runners, campers and cyclists, providing year long pleasure to people from all over London, Hertfordshire and Essex.

Enfield is the perfect central point from which to explore this 26 mile Regional Park, which is accessible by car or by train via National Express's Lee Valley Line. Take a stroll around Myddelton House Gardens, which were created by plantsman and botanist, E.A Bowles and are a flurry of colour and interest throughout the year. If you're looking for a fantastic family day trip out, look no further than Waltham Abbey. The open spaces of Cornmill Meadows and Abbey Gardens are the perfect places to spot dragonflies and enjoy a picnic in the summer months, while the unique leisure experience of Lee Valley Park Farms will keep the kids happy all day long. With trailer rides, ferret racing, cow milking, an adventure play area and a whole host of different animals to meet, there's always plenty going on down at the Farms. Don't miss this year's great new attractions - Rabbit World, Vegetable Patch and the creepy crawlies of the World Beneath Our Feet. If that isn't enough outdoors fun, take a tranquil cycle ride or long walk through neighbouring River Lee Country Park to savour its beautiful views and rich wildlife.

Head further north to explore historic Rye House Gatehouse and Broxbourne Old Mill & Meadows, or travel south via Lee Valley Athletics Centre to Lea Bridge Road in Leyton. Here you'll find a unique cluster of award-winning sports facilities and open spaces, encouraging you to get active and try something new. Lee Valley Riding Centre allows people of all ages and abilities to experience this traditional countryside pastime - in East London. Alternatively you can burn off some energy on the WaterWorks Golf Centre's par 3, 18 hole course or cool off at Lee Valley Ice Centre. With three nature reserves a stone's throw away, you can take time some extra time out to relax and unwind.

There are a whole host of events and activities taking place throughout the year at Lee Valley Regional Park. For more information, visit www.leevalleypark.org.uk or call xxxxxxxx.

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