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17 ways to get your Greentime
Greentime17 is a simple invitation to spend 17 minutes a day in nature.
17 minutes might not sound like much, but it’s plenty of time to get outside and do something good for you, your community or the natural world. Take a wander, spot some wildlife, grow something, catch up with a friend – or simply see where your 17 minutes take you.
Wherever you are, whatever the weather – here’s 17 ways to get your 17 of green.
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1. Walk and talk
Take 17 minutes to have a chat or catch up with someone you haven't spoken to in a while. Arrange a walk with a friend, invite a neighbour for a wander, make a phone call while you're out, or move your work meeting outside.
2. Go wildlife spotting
Look up, down and all around – you might find signs of wildlife in trees, gardens, parks, hedges, walls, under stones and even in cracks in the pavement.
3. Take your lunch outside
Swap sitting at your desk, kitchen table or in the canteen for an outdoor space. Enjoy your lunch, get some fresh air and give yourself a proper break.
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4. Spot the difference
Find yourself a spot outside and spend 17 minutes paying attention to tiny details and things you might easily miss. Notice the light, sounds, colours, textures, patterns and signs of the season. What has changed since you were last here?
5. Help nature grow
It’s rather rewarding to plant something and see it grow, particularly if you’re new to it. Try growing herbs or vegetables, or plant some seeds and see what happens. You don't need much space – a windowsill is enough to get started.
6. Be a local explorer
Head outside with nowhere particular to go, explore a new path or see where your feet lead you. Take the scenic route back from the school run, get off the bus one stop early, walk a different way the shops or stroll somewhere you've not been before.
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7. Listen out for nature
Find somewhere quiet and take a moment to listen. How many different natural sounds can you hear? Can you hear birds calling, leaves rustling, or sounds you might normally miss?
8. Get your hands dirty
Water a pot, tend a window box or tackle a small gardening job. Give a little time to a shared green space, tidy a flowerbed or help look after a community garden.
9. Look up
Lie back or find somewhere to sit and watch the sky. Follow the clouds or gaze at the stars, spot shapes and try and find constellations, or take a moment to enjoy sunrise or sunset – see what changes as the minutes pass.
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10. Stay curious
Learn about the nature around you. Use your 17 minutes to identify birds you spot, find out what trees are in your area, see what you can discover in the night sky, or have a go at something new outdoors.
11. Make a difference
Take a bag with you on a walk and collect some litter along the way. Leave a little patch of nature better than you found it.
12. Go on a colour hunt
How many different colours can you spot in 17 minutes? Look closely – nature has more shades than you might think.
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13. Do something for nature
Spend 17 minutes doing something small that helps wildlife – sow some wildflowers, put out water or make a simple bug shelter.
14. Take a nature break
When you need a break from work, life-admin or chores step outside instead of picking up your phone and scrolling. Give yourself 17 minutes to reset.
15. Find something interesting
Take a pencil, camera or phone outside and capture something that catches your eye. Sketch a leaf, photograph a pattern or simply make a note of what you notice.
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16. Just have fun
Jump in puddles, climb a tree, pick blackberries, get muddy or dance in the rain. Whatever gets you outside and makes you smile, give it 17 minutes.
17. Simply be
You don't have to achieve anything. Find somewhere outdoors and spend 17 minutes doing whatever feels good – or nothing at all.
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Why do we need 17 of green?
We spend so much of our time surrounded by screens, schedules and everyday pressures. Greentime is the antidote to screentime. It's a way to restore your mind and your body.
Our Nature Connections programme
Over the last 25 years we have developed extensive expertise in nature and social recovery - to help both people and planet through our Nature Connections programme.
Things to do in your community
If you want to spend your 17 minutes in nature doing something practical, we've got loads of ideas for easy and quick ways you can make your community greener. It's a win-win - you get your 17, and your neighbourhood benefits!