National Trust Press release - For immediate release
REDUCING STRESS IS A WALK IN THE PARK - National Trust brings a breath of fresh air to city workers -
Spring is on its way but according to new research out today sunshine is not enough to lift the population’s spirits with three quarters (74 per cent) of UK workers admitting they feel stressed on a daily basis. Fortunately the antidote is close to hand with 70 per cent saying that escaping from the confines of our cities makes them feel instantly relaxed.
In response, the National Trust is giving everyone in the country a bonus with a free weekend on 20 – 21 March that gives everyone the opportunity to visit the great outdoors.
The study also found that when it comes to lowering stress levels our senses are key, with 72 per cent of those surveyed claiming that seeing the sea was the quickest and most effective stress reliever. This was followed closely by a walk in the countryside (66 per cent), contact with fresh air (59 per cent) and the sand between our toes (33 per cent).
The National Trust is giving everyone in the country a bonus by opening their doors for free on the weekend of 20 – 21 March 2010. Hundreds of special places from castles, windmills and gardens will be opening for free and countryside and coastal car parks cared for by the Trust will also be free of charge over the weekend.
Fiona Reynolds, Director-General of the National Trust, continues:
“Our free weekend is the perfect chance to escape the stresses of our busy lives and get outdoors and breathe in some free springtime fresh air or take inspiration from the beauty of any of 300 of our special places. We hope many of you with your friends and families will visit us and discover that we really have something for everybody - we are your National Trust - come and spend some bonus time with us.”