Cancer patients are being given special guides to explore wild spaces and help with their mental wellbeing.

Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in Northwood is encouraging patients, visitors and staff to make use of the guide that details the wilderness around the centre, including ancient woodland and a wildflower meadow.

The Space to Breathe map also shows tranquil features in the area such as a fern garden, a wildlife pond and the best walking routes and places to sit.

Physical copies of the map are available as well as a digital copy by scanning a QR code or through the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust website.

Louise, the wife of a patient at the centre, said: “Walking around them each day offered space to think and process my thoughts; the woodland walk around the formal lawn was a lovely space to take a stroll, and highlights were seeing foxes and a muntjac, with a reliable tuneful birdsong as the musical score in the background.”

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