Solihull has a pretty impressive 75% of designated green belt surrounding its urban centre. Those abundant green spaces and picturesque countryside offer a backdrop any outdoor enthusiast is going to want to explore, be it a good, long walk, or a meandering cycle.
However you cover that ground, there’s no shortage of opportunities to enjoy the great Solihull outdoors. However, risks exist in even in the most idyllic circumstances. Here’s a guide on how to stay safe while out and about exploring Solihull’s green belt.
Go Prepared and Let Loved Ones Know
Before setting off to somewhere a bit more remote, inform a friend or family member of your plans and a potential return time. Bring along adequate supplies, including food, water, and emergency provisions, as some rural areas may not offer immediate access to amenities.
You can apply your usual common sense. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear some sturdy footwear. Familiarize yourself with any potential hazards – at least a few of Solihull’s cycle routes use public roads. If you’re hiking, stick to marked trails. It’s little things that keep us safe on these kinds of recreational days out.
Consider Further Action
If you have experienced an accident, and it was caused by someone else’s actions or negligence, you could look at whether you’re due compensation for personal injury claims. Securing compensation can help you pay for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages and the like – keep as many records of all expenses as you can. This can be medical bills, rehabilitation costs, transport expenses, and any other costs related to the incident, all of which are relevant to the legal process.
Pack Medical Supplies or Seek Attention
The safety of people out in the country should be the top concern, especially given you may be far from hospitals and emergency services in the green belt. If you’ve had an accident, move to a safe location away from traffic or potential hazards as soon as possible. Check for any injuries and apply first aid as needed. Proactively, it’s good to have a geolocation app like WhatThreeWords, or at least knowledge of the area, so you know where help is if you end up needing it.
Report Potential Hazards
If you see something that could be dangerous to others, you should report it to the appropriate authorities, especially if you think a driver was driving dangerously or a hazard (like a fallen tree) poses an immediate danger to people using the countryside lanes or trails. Reporting the incident creates an official record, and is the best way to help prevention of risks or further issues.
The great outdoors around Solihull is vast and there to be enjoyed, but hazards in the countryside exist. Knowing how to prepare and respond can make all the difference. While the majority of outdoor adventures in Solihull’s green belt are enjoyable and totally safe, being prepared for the unexpected simply makes good sense.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your well-being and rights, and those of others using the countryside, are safe and secure in and around Solihull’s many green areas.
Written by James Benjamin
