Our in-house Eco Mouse at Sunderland headquarters has been keeping an eye on what we have been putting in our bins lately and reminding us how our recycling efforts help our outdoor playground.

He shared with us some interesting Eco facts...a few nicely tied into the outdoors!

Every eight months the UK produces enough waste to fill Lake Windermere

It takes just 25 litre drink bottles to make one adult sized fleece

It takes 2 plastic soft drink bottles to make enough polyester fibre for a baseball cap

The ten warmest years in the last 130 have all occurred since 1978

Each tonne of recycled paper can save 17 trees

Remember, recycle to save our outdoor playground!

The Cotswolds has lots to offer, and with the title of Area of Outstanding Beauty there is something for all visitors and those living in and around the area to enjoy.

The Cotswold Way which stretches from Bath to Chipping Camden is a 102 mile trail which passes many points of interest taking in some fantastic scenery.

Visit the Cotswolds Way website which is full of information ranging from walking routes, things to do, conservation advice and even offers courses for those who'd like to try their hand at dry stone walling.

For full details visit www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk

As the weather stats to warm up, it's the perfect time to enjoy walking in the great outdoors. However, for those of you who've never taken up walking as a hobby before, we have some tips that might help you get started.

Walking is the perfect entry level exercise and something that can be enjoyed regularly with friends and family - whether it's city walking while you're shopping or while enjoying a scenic break in the Lake District. It's also a great way to lose weight, strengthen leg muscles and improve your cardiovascular system and overall stamina. Being out in the fresh air can also boost your overall sense of wellbeing too, and unlike the gym, it doesn't cost a penny.

Here at brasher, we would suggest the following to help you get started on low level or hill walks:

•  Don't push yourself too hard - listen to your body and build up your stamina gradually
• A couple of miles is fine to begin with, and make sure you take regular breaks to enjoy the scenery
• Why not join a local walking club and boost your social life too. They will recommend easy walks to begin with and then you can progress to moderate level walks

After all, there's so much to be experienced in your own Outdoor Playground!

After the worst winter weather in 31 years for many of us, we thought you might like some advice on sprucing up your leather walking boots, so they're in tip top condition for spring.

Firstly, take out the footbed and rinse with cold water, also rinse the inside of the boot to remove debris. Wash the outside of the boot with cold water, use a soft toothbrush to clean cleats and D-rings, wipe away surface water with a cloth and allow to dry naturally, do not dry by direct heat as this will damage the upper material and midsole. Treat whilst damp with brasher conditioning to nourish the leather. Nubuck/suede/fabric boots should be treated with brasher protector spray.

Follow these easy steps and your boots will be ready for many more miles on the hill.

The floods which hit the Lake District last November have had an efffect on a lot of the walking routes in the area.

If you're planning a trip to the Lake District then a good website to visit is www.lakedistrict.gov.uk which gives detailed information of open and closed paths within the surrounding area.

See the link below:
http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/index/visiting/planningyourvisit/paths.htm