2020 is a year that we will never forget due to the coronavirus pandemic around the world. As people are unable to travel far we are restricted to our local area. However, the coronavirus has made us re-evaluate our lives and everything around them. I consider myself an optimist, so I have looked at the positives of having my life restricted. Normally between my travels, I work and plan my next trip but lately, I have had more time on my hands. I have discovered the beautiful and hidden parts of my local area. If you have been stuck indoors for a while watching Netflix, maybe this is the time to explore your local area. Who knows, you might discover something new. So whether you live in Essex or you come from overseas then check out this lovely part of the United Kingdom. 

Daws Heath (where I call home) is a beautiful area that contains manly woodlands, fields, and greenbelt land. it is a peaceful place to get away from the busy surrounding towns. There are trails to explore and open spaces to enjoy. Little Haven Nature Reserve is quiet and a peaceful spot in Daws Heath for a walk or a cycle. You will encounter wildlife and connect with nature. The reserve is owned by the Little Haven Children's Hospice, and leased to the Essex Wildlife Trust. It is one of only 25 in the country where the rare heath fritillary is well established. Spring and summer are the best times to experience the reserve in all its glory. For me, it is a great escape from everyday life. The Daws Heath area also has West Woods and Pound Woods to explore. Horse riding is a fun way to enjoy the woodlands and get lost around the trails. And finally, Daws Heath wouldn't be complete without a local pub. The Woodman's Arms has a lovely charm and retro style which will entice you in. Apart from alcohol, the woodman's Arms offers pub food, a sizeable beer garden, and live music on a Saturday night. 

Definition of Heath: Heath is a shrubland habitat found mainly on free-draining infertile, acidic soils, and is characterised by open, low-growing woody vegetation.

Just a mile up the Daws Heath Road is Hadleigh. Hadleigh is a typical town with a busy high street. But south of the town is Hadleigh Castle overlooking the Thames Estuary. This 13th-century castle (owned by English Heritage) is a great spot to relax and adore the surrounding landscape. You will see farmer's fields, woodlands and of course the River Thames. Watching the sunset here is fantastic and a good opportunity to get stunning photos of the orange sun on the castle (check out the first photo on my "quotes" page). In 2008, Hadleigh Farm, close to the castle, was announced as the venue for the mountain biking competition in the 2012 Summer Olympics. This was a great boost to my local area and has left a lasting legacy for locals. Hadleigh Farm (also known as Hadleigh Country Park) is one of the UK's top mountain biking courses which even challenges professionals. The course is 5km long and is made from crushed sandstone. You will find there is a moderate, difficult, and severe route around the park. Drops, gap jumps, rock gardens, tunnels, and wallrides are the main features of the course. The park also offers idyllic countryside, magnificent views, and workshops for families. But for me, the cycling trails are my favourite as they extend to Benfleet Station and in the opposite direction to Leigh Station. So there is plenty of room and opportunity for everyone to get active whatever their age and fitness level.

Throughout this coronavirus pandemic, I have learned to appreciate where I live. I am very fortunate to be living only 30 miles away from central London, great transport connections to the rest of the United Kindom and the world for that matter. I am also thankful for all of the green spaces around me. I understand people aren't as lucky as me but my point is that you should look a little closer to home to discover something beautiful. It's all well and good to be jetting off to a dream destination but you would be surprised what you might come across in your local area. You just have to look that little bit harder. Maybe its time for you to put your home town on the map. And on a final note, I love hearing about where people live so go to my contact page and drop me a message. There is always something to discover.