Although Britain is a pretty overcrowded country there are still a lot of areas where you are surrounded by the greenery of nature and the open spaces of moor, mountain and upland. If you join the National Trust you can visit free of charge a multitude of fine gardens and stately homes, of ten set in the most picturesque areas. Most cities, even the most industrialised, have public gardens which are carefully tended and planted with colourful blooms when the season is right.

I live in the town of Romford, which is about 15 miles due east of London. It is right on the edge of the London conurbation, and to the east there are miles of gently rolling countryside containing attractive villages that can be accessed by winding lanes. During the Middle Ages many kings and other royal figures lived in the area.

The main park in town is called Raphael's. It has a large lake where anglers can be seen throughout the year.