THE BEAUTIFUL open spaces and tranquillity of national parks have always been a ’natural health service’, providing opportunities for stress relief, exercise and feel-good endorphins.

And, in these difficult times as the UK deals with COVID-19 and its impact on everyone’s daily lives, natural havens such as the South Downs National Park may be more important than ever before.

Even though government advice prohibits driving out to the park for exercise, for many in East Hampshire the South Downs remains just a short walk from their front doors.

For everyone else, and those at a greater risk from COVID-19, the South Downs National Park has launched a series of online alternatives, including 'virtual walks', a quiz, and learning resources for children.

Kate Drake, who leads on health and wellbeing for the South Downs National Park, is offering her advice on how to get out safely in the national park for those who are able and who are not self-isolating.

Kate’s advice for enjoying the National Park safely:

* Avoid going out in groups.

Follow the Government advice and maintain a 2m distance from others while enjoying the rights of way.

If you’re going for a walk on your own, let others know of your whereabouts and take a mobile phone with you - it will also be handy for those beautiful scenic snaps!

Be prepared by taking a bottle of water with you, a waterproof if necessary and good, comfortable walking shoes.

* Download the ViewRanger App to help guide your walk.

Continue to enjoy the national park responsibly - keeping dogs on leads around livestock, sticking to the paths to protect ground-nesting birds, and taking litter home with you.

Kate’s five ideas for people unable to get out of their home:

* Join a virtual walk.

The South Downs National Park is planning to feature beauty spots across the park over the next few months and has begun with a walk around Midhurst Common. Find it on the national park’s video section on Facebook.

* Enjoy our wonderful wildlife.

The national park’s Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube channels are a treasure trove of South Downs flora, fauna and breathtaking landscapes, including stunning footage of otters, reptiles, birds, our magical woodlands and colourful chalk grassland.

* Be part of the South Downs National Park community.

Join the conversation on our social media channels, share images of your favourite places in the national park and join our newsletter for updates about the national park.

* For parents with children at home, check out the South Downs Learning Zone.

Designed for educators, this user-friendly site is packed with downloadable resources on everything from wildlife to woodlands. Why not spend a couple of hours learning about the natural world and doing one of the fun indoor activities?

* Join our tenth anniversary online quiz competition.

We’ll be launching this in April with the chance to win a hamper worth £150 using a range of local goods that are helping to support local businesses. Check out our social media and newsletter for more updates.

Kate said: "We know that the next few weeks are going to be difficult and challenging for lots of people. But we want to remind people that the national park is still here and offers a wealth of health and wellbeing benefits.

"Whether it’s a short stroll around a beautiful heathland, a woodland walk, or just listening to the morning chorus of birds in your own garden or watching online, we know connecting with nature can really help with stress and anxiety."

See www.southdowns.gov.uk