I like living in a city, but it's important for me to be out in nature. I have ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), which means I can get stressed. I spend most of my weekends walking in the countryside, on beaches, and in nature reserves. It helps me to relax.

During the week, most people have only a little free time, and it is difficult to get out in the fresh air. But if you are lucky enough to live in or near Thorpe St Andrew, you are only a short walk or drive to a beautiful little nature reserve. 

I set out at 10:35 am on the hottest day of the year so far to walk to Thorpe Marshes, a Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve located just off Yarmouth Road. To get to it, I had to cross a railway bridge and go through a gate. The gate closed behind me, and immediately, I found myself in a different world. I could still hear busy traffic and the odd train passing by, but they sounded suddenly distant, and it was like I was in my own little bubble.

Walking along the path, the first thing I noticed was the sound of lots of small birds singing. I couldn't see them as they were hidden in the reeds. I could smell the blossom on the trees and layered underneath, the muddy smell of the River Yare.

There were only a few people about. I saw a woman relaxing and reading on a bench, a man sitting out next to one of the small boats moored up by the river, and an older couple walking their dogs. Everyone I passed said hello. Being out in a natural environment seems to make people more friendly somehow. I have noticed that before on previous walks.

The walk I did was circular, and on the way, I noticed many little white butterflies with orange-tipped wings speeding quickly by. Too quick to catch with my camera.

I saw a ripple in the water out of the corner of my eye, and a great crested grebe popped up from its search for fish. Further on, I could see across the river to Whitlingham Broad, where people were sitting out on the grass in the sun.

The more I walked, the happier I felt. There was so much life, the birds, the butterflies, the reedbeds, the blossom and the river flowing by.

The reserve is so close to the city, yet it only took me 50 minutes to walk around. So, it isn't a long walk for people to do. Of course, you could spend longer and sit on one of the benches overlooking the water, but only a short time is needed to explore the reserve.

I exited in a different spot under another railway bridge further down Yarmouth Road and from there walked back home. I was away from home for just under 2 hours, but those 2 hours were enough to help me de-stress and feel good. I would recommend the reserve to anyone, it's a lovely place to visit!

You don't always have to drive or travel for miles to feel closer to nature. This is why it's so important that organisations like NWT continue to protect these spaces so that people get the chance to encounter wildlife and their habitats up close. When people visit and enjoy these places, they begin to understand the need to protect them for future generations.

Some people only see land as a place where houses or businesses can be built on and money can be made, but others know that keeping these areas green gives everyone the chance to have an experience that money just can't buy. So, look for these kinds of places in your local areas. You'll be surprised by what you find, and there's more out there than you think.