'Derbyshire's nature has come to our rescue during lockdown. Now let’s come to its rescue'

And one of the simplest and yet most joyful things of all is being able to get into the great outdoors and enjoy nature.

The green spaces around my house in Brimington have been my saviour during lockdown and I’m not alone.

Millions of us have swapped gyms and exercise classes for getting outdoors with record numbers taking up hiking – and for most of us this hobby will continue long after the restrictions are eased.

A simple walk outside can reduce feelings of depression and boost energy levels.

Many people in Derbyshire care deeply about the environment and are worried about the future of the planet but we need to remember the climate emergency has not gone away during this pandemic. The clock is still ticking.

With everything else happening it’s been easy to forget the immense challenges still facing our wildlife as we throw our energies into supporting our families, holding down jobs and trying to stay safe and healthy.

But now, perhaps more than ever, we need to make space for nature and recognise the impact the loss of biodiversity has had on the people ofDerbyshire.

We need parks and open spaces hospitable to a range of native plants and animals. It has an impact on everyone and we all have our part to play.

Biodiversity has been diminished with forests chopped down and more infrastructure built.

As Bill Gates highlighted in a recent blog post; the global crisis has shocked the world. It has caused a huge number of deaths and led to economic hardship for many.

But if action isn’t taken in a few decades the same description will fit another global crisis: climate change.

We know mental health has been impacted by the pandemic. We’ve seen how nature has come to our rescue. Now let’s come to its rescue.