IMPROVEMENTS to a local nature reserve are making a real difference to people's lifestyles.

A report by Braintree Council has found that the new and improved walkways at the Fairview Estate by the Bocking Blackwater nature reserve have led to 58 percent of people in the area walking more often and 33 percent cycling more.

A big thumbs up was given to the improvements by the 99 people who were surveyed as all of them agreed that the open space was now a better place.

Councillor Wendy Schmitt, cabinet member responsible for environment and place, said: “One of our council’s priorities is to tackle obesity because nearly seven in ten adults in our district are overweight or obese. By providing beautiful open spaces like Bocking Blackwater we have shown that it encourages more people to get outside.

“It has always been a lovely area but now it is much more user friendly for walkers and cyclists and it is much more accessible for people in wheelchairs and for parents with pushchairs. It has opened up the town and you can now get from Kings Park down to the college easily and in beautiful surroundings.

“It is wonderful to hear that the work has resulted in people spending more time with family and friends, exercising and getting closer to nature.”

You can vie the full report at: www.braintree.gov.uk/BockingBlackWaterPublicFeedback.