Step into spring: Stay well while enjoying the outdoors

Spending time outdoors is great for our physical and mental health. Professor Dominic Mellor, Consultant in Veterinary Public Health at Public Health Scotland, shares some top tips on how to keep well while exploring the outdoors this spring.

As spring arrives, Scotland’s landscapes begin to burst back into life. Longer days, milder temperatures and brighter skies make this a perfect time to head outdoors - something we know can do wonders for both our mental and physical wellbeing.

Whether you're visiting a local park, tackling a hill, visiting a farm or simply potting up new plants, our latest blog provides a few simple steps to help you enjoy the season safely.

Explore the outdoors with even more confidence

Spring and summer are ideal for getting active outside – whether that’s walking, wheeling, cycling or taking a dip.

Being outside not only helps us maintain fitness but also boosts our vitamin D levels, which are essential for healthy bones and muscles.

If you enjoy wild swimming, remember to be aware of potential hazards such as cold-water temperatures, poor water quality, strong currents and rip tides. There are steps you can take to enjoy the benefits of open swimming while staying safe, such as:

• Check the weather and water quality information available
• Wear a wetsuit or a drysuit that’s suitable for the water temperature
• Swim in designated bathing water locations
• Tell someone if you are going to swim alone

And don’t forget the basics – apply sun cream, stay hydrated and take time to enjoy the wellbeing benefits that nature brings.

Be tick aware

Warmer weather brings with it increases in tick activity.

Ticks are spider-like creatures that live in longer grass and can attach to our skin without being noticed and some carry infections such as Lyme disease, which can make you very unwell.

To reduce your risk from ticks:

• Use insect repellent
• Avoid long grass where possible
• Wear long sleeves and tuck trousers into socks
• Check your skin and clothing for ticks when you get home from spending time in nature

If you find a tick, remove it safely as soon as possible. The best way to do this is with a tick removal device or fine-tipped tweezers if you don’t have one.

Enjoy meeting animals at a farm or by visiting a petting zoo

Visits to farms and petting zoos are popular at this time of year, especially with children around the school holidays.

While meeting animals is fun and educational, remember they can carry germs that may cause illness. Protect yourself and young children by:

• Washing hands with soap and water after touching animals or their environments - alcohol gels don’t kill all types of germs
• Supervising children to ensure thorough handwashing
• Eating only in designated picnic areas to avoid cross-contamination
• Avoiding contact with animals giving birth or newborn animals if you’re pregnant
• Cleaning shoes and pushchair wheels before returning home

Don’t touch sick or dead birds

Scotland’s birdlife is especially active in spring, but bird flu can affect wild birds.

The risk to humans is low but you can keep yourself and others safe by:

• Avoiding contact with sick or dead wild birds
• Keeping dogs on a lead in coastal areas
• Washing hands and cleaning any contaminated clothing if you’ve been near bird droppings or feathers

Plant, pot and stay protected

You don’t need to travel far to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors. Gardening offers a mindful, rewarding way to boost your wellbeing.

If using compost, take care as certain strains of Legionella bacteria can be present in damp compost or soil.

To reduce risk:

• Open compost bags outdoors
• Store compost in cool, dry places
• Wear gloves and wash hands afterwards

Further information

More information on the positive impact that greenspaces can have on physical and mental health can be found on Greenspace Scotland and Nature Scot Natural Health Service.

Further info on staying safe in open water is available on NHS Inform.

More information on keeping active is available on NHS Inform.

More information about ticks, including prevention and removal and Lyme Disease is available on NHS Inform.

More information about avoiding bugs and germs outdoors is available on NHS Inform.