Feel calmer by water

Get involved with the Solent Seascape Project. They offer a range of volunteering opportunities helping to protect the Solent waters and wildlife. They also host events including online talks.

Basingstoke Canal can be explored by water or towpath. Find launch points along the waterway for unpowered boats and paddleboards (licence required) or take a boat trip. Walk, cycle or simply watch the locks, boats and wildlife along the towpath.

Hampshire Country Parks include Royal Victoria Country Park which has a duck pond and views across the Solent, River Hamble offers water sports and crabbing alongside great walking routes, and Lepe Country Park is by the beach - perfect for shoreline scavenger hunts and wave watching.

Titchfield Haven is a national nature reserve which is great for waterside wildlife spotting.

Bird Aware Solent offers tips for water sports with wildlife including an interactive map with wildlife friendly water entry/exit points, paddle routes and guides for wildlife-aware paddle sports and wind sports. It also suggests its rangers' favourite waterside walks around the Solent with bird watching tips or join them on a guided birdwatching walk – one of many regular events they host. Did you know bird watching improves attention and reduces stress?

Get fishing for wellbeing with the Angling Trust. Slow down surrounded by nature. Find nearby fishing venues, events and coaches.

Find local wild swimming spots. Stay safe - never swim alone and always check water quality beforehand. Groups such as Hampshire Open Water Swimmers, The Bluetits Swimmers or Solent Sea Swimmers are a great way to get started with others to introduce you to it safely.