Sir Felix's gentle walk for Mental Health week at Greys Court

This mini exhibition shares the story of Sir Felix following his return from World War One alongside the background to how the walk in his name came to be.

Part of the display includes book 'A Month in the Country' which has been chosen from the Greys Court library in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week. The book follows a summer in the lives of two First World War veterans, whose separate efforts to uncover and preserve the past bring them together in the quiet English village of Oxgodby.

​The book explores themes surrounding the effects of the First World War, including references to 'shell shock', now recognised as an early form of PTSD.

In 1966, an ankle injury prevented Sir Felix using the stiles on his beloved daily estate walk. At Lady Elizabeth’s suggestion, the walk was adapted with a gentle path. Custom gates were installed in place of each of the stiles, with each gate dedicated to someone close to Sir Felix. That walk remains at Greys Court to this day for you to enjoy during your visit.

Sir Felix had a lifelong affinity with nature. He chaired the Open Spaces society, defending public access to the countryside. At 19, he enlisted in the artillery for the First World War, an experience that deeply affected him.

Studies show that time in nature, through walking, gardening or even watching nature documentaries, can improve mental wellbeing and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.