A new app has been launched to help local people explore the Black Country’s parks and open spaces – and keep healthy at the same time.

It includes interactive maps and free games to make getting out a fun family activity.

Dudley Council and Sandwell Council are included in the local authorities working with Active Black Country – a partnership promoting sport and physical activity – to develop walks, cycle routes and discovery features on the free Love Exploring app.

It provides ideas for places to visit, family activities when you get there along with suggestions on trails and guided tours round the parks and open spaces.

The people behind it say that, given the pandemic, its never been more important to get out and about and be active for both mental and physical health

Local research says 53.5% of respondents who previously described themselves as inactive had increased their levels to fairly active since the lockdown and of all the new habits, 23.6% said they’d like to continue walking in one form or another.

Ian Carey, Director of Active Black Country, said: “The app can provide you with trail guides with interactive maps providing information about the park or open space as you walk and for families there are free games designed to surprise you along the way.”

The Black Country parks currently available on the app are:

• Silver Jubilee Park, Coseley, Dudley

• Walsall Arboretum

• Swannies Field, Walsall

• Willenhall Memorial Park

• West Park, Wolverhampton

• Sandwell Valley Country Park

• Warrens Hall Nature Reserve, Sandwell (Bumble Hole Local Nature Reserve in Dudley)

The Black Country locations were added on 23 October and since then the app has recorded 1515 uses across the area.

Find out more about the Love Exploring app here: https://www.activeblackcountry.co.uk/what-we-do/communities/love-exploring-app/