People are being encouraged to explore the great outdoors and improve their health.

The Purbeck Pledge asks individuals to ‘Get Outdoors, Boost Wellbeing’ and make the most of the amazing outdoor spaces and nature throughout the district to boost mental health and wellbeing.

The pledge will be launched as part of a fun, free, family event ‘Picnic in the Park’ on Saturday, May 4 from 11am to 3pm at Durlston Country Park.

At the picnic, visitors will find lots of events and taster sessions to try from health and wellbeing providers, including Park Yoga, Nordic Walking, and health MOTs.

There will also be fun activities for children and young people including trails and woodland crafts. The event is suitable for all ages and people are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful setting of Durlston.

Dr James Jackson, chairman of Purbeck Health Forum said: “It will be a great day out for all the family. Come along and take the pledge and have fun doing it! During May there will be offers from groups in Purbeck to help people to achieve their pledge, all of which will be supported and signposted by our health providers.”.

Maria Clarke, from Dorset Local Nature Partnership, said: “There is a lot of research which shows that spending time in nature improves wellbeing and that is why we are asking people to join the Purbeck Pledge as part of Naturally Healthy Month this May. ‘Picnic in the Park’ is one of the many events happening as part of the month which is encouraging people to get outside more and enjoy the county we live in.”

This event is supported by a range of partners including Public Health Dorset, LiveWell Dorset, Stepping into Nature, and Active Dorset.

The Purbeck Pledge was started in 2015 to encourage those living and working in the area to think about their physical and mental health and ways in which they could feel good.

The idea behind the Pledge is that individuals, couples, families or colleagues pledge to make a change in their lives to feel better. It does not need to be a big change but simply a commitment to making a change in one or more areas of someone’s life.