We are lucky enough to have a wealth of greenspace in Bath & North East Somerset. From parks to nature reserves, riverside paths to woodlands all these places provide homes for nature and spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Greenspace maps have been created for Bath, Midsomer Norton, Radstock and Westfield in the Somer Valley.
Our landscape city
Bath is a landscape city, surrounded by hills and valleys that come right into the city centre, making it easy to get out and explore. Bath & North East Somerset Council is the lead partner in the Bathscape Landscape Partnership Scheme, a National Lottery funded scheme which seeks to restore and enhance the countryside in and around Bath, and help ensure it is appreciated and actively enjoyed by more people.
Our map shows just how green our city is, and how easy it is to find a green space within walking distance. The team behind the map came together to show the many greenspaces there are to enjoy. And, of course, we couldn’t fit them all on the map!
View a map of our landscape city
Or listen to the Footprints Podcast to get inspiration of where to visit, or explore the project’s interactive map and trail guides.
Somer Valley
Midsomer Norton, Radstock and Westfield nestle in the hills of the Somer Valley. There are a wide variety of greenspaces to discover and many of them are connected by cycle or footpath.
Somer Valley Rediscovered is a partnership project between Bath & North East Somerset Council, Bristol Avon Rivers Trust, Avon Wildlife Trust, Bristol Avon Catchment Partnership, Wessex Water, Natural England, University of Bath, Bath Spa University, Bath College, West of England Nature Partnership, Environment Agency. It aims to make the Somer Valley an area of high biodiversity, resilient to climate change and where a vibrant and thriving community lives with good mental and physical health due to their strong connection to nature.
This greenspace map is a collaboration between:
- Somer Valley Rediscovered
- Midsomer Norton Town Council
- Radstock Town Council
- Westfield Parish Council
- B&NES Public Health Team
- B&NES Parks Department
View the Somer Valley greenspace map
Or get inspiration by listening to the project’s audio trails.
Work on your wellbeing
We all know that the great outdoors benefits our physical health, but we are also becoming more aware that spending time in parks, gardens, woodlands and other greenspaces can improve our mental health and wellbeing too. It can help reduce stress, anxiety and even soften symptoms of depression.
It is recommended that we carry out about 150 minutes of physical activity each week, but there’s also significant evidence that exposure to nature for at least 120 minutes each week can help maintain positive mental health.
Social prescribing is the process of connecting an individual with a link worker who will help people to access community based activities, related to their health and wellbeing needs. Green social prescribing links people to nature-based activities and includes outdoor exercise, community gardening and food growing projects, conservation volunteering, green gyms, and arts and cultural activities which take place outdoors. To find out more contact your local GP practice.
Find our greenspaces
Find greenspaces, parks, gardens, woodlands and countryside to explore and enjoy in Bath and North East Somerset.
- Bathscape
- B&NES Parks
- Cotswolds National Landscape
- Mendip Hills AONB
- Avon Wildlife Trust
- National Trust
- Bath Audio Walking Tours
- Bristol & Bath Railway Path
- River Avon Trail
- Two Tunnels Greenway
- Limestone Link
- Colliers Way
- Somersetshire Coal Canal
- Radstock Heritage Trails
- Westfield Heritage Trails
You can get involved in any of the following ways
You can get involved in any of the following ways:
- Volunteer for Bathscape – if you are interested in becoming a wellbeing walk leader or chronicling our ash trees.
- Volunteer in the Somer Valley. Contact Emma, Volunteer Coordinator, about opportunities with Somer Valley Rediscovered by emailing somervalleyrediscovered@bathnes.gov.uk or calling 01225 477 593
- Volunteer for our parks team or other park groups.
- Find out generally how you can get involved, by emailing parks@bathnes.gov.uk or calling 01225 396 386. Alternatively, call Bathscape on 01225 477 265.
Scattering Ashes is not permitted
Please note that we do not give permission to scatter ashes in the parks.