The no garden support thread

[Crunchymum]

I am thinking we can't be the only ones without any outside space?

We live in central London and have always negated the lack of outside space by having a plot in the community garden opposite (closed) going to the playparks (x2 within a few minutes walk - now closed) or going to my parents (15 mins walk, big garden which we have the run of) but now we have none of that.

We're on the vulnerable list so even if lock down doesn't last for too long, we're in for the duration.

Anyone else in a similar position?

yep. 2.5 year old in a 1bed flat . No balcony. No garden. Going crazy.

Oh bless you @user1483387154

We are quite lucky with our inside space but there is 5 of us!! I've never had a garden in all my London abodes and I've never missed having one. London has so many choices and options for alternative outside space. Never did I imagine a situation like this.

I know we are lucky to have our health, each other, a home etc and I hate to be so negative but I'm not sure how we'll last another 11 weeks of this?

Can you go for a long walk instead? I'm the same but luckily have a big field near me (10mins walk), so distancing is easy. We go and do a jog, pass a ball around, skipping rope and come back.

I'm in a zone 2 flat share, essentially stuck in one room apart from visits to the kitchen/bathroom

we have no outside space, no balcony, its never bothered me before, i walk everywhere, use the parks etc during the winter, we do have a place in norfolk but for obvious reasons will not be going there , it almost feels like rubbing salt into the wound, knowing its there and not being able to go, however, it is just dh and I here, I really feel for those of you with small children, it must be so difficult. You have my total sympathy fwiw.

We have had symptoms so we are staying in...we live in a two-bed flat two adults one 13yo which has a small outside space but we have to be mindful of our neighbours getting our symptoms so we are stuck indoors until our self-isolation is over. We have a large park nearby but the council are threatening to close it because people won't self-distance.

Could you go to your parents and use their garden while they were inside for exercise?

Was going to suggest you could still play in your parents garden (if you can prevent the parents coming out and joining in?)
Otherwise, how are the roads (I've not been to London for over a week as no longer going in for work)? Can you use the cycle lanes? Assuming you have bikes/scooters.
The parks in London are hell at the moment, no chance to social distance, they are better off being closed.
My sister who is still in North London reports she has to go out jogging at night, it's way too busy in the parks and even the pavements during the day.

If it's any comfort, the parks near me (50 miles outside of London) are too busy to use if the weather is good, I have to exercise after dark - walking my dog - so I can safely avoid close contact with others.
Lots of people strolling g in small groups, taking up the whole path, not making any effort to move if they see you.
I am getting better at sussing out where the masses are going to be, and as a year-round dog walker I know the best areas to avoid the new walkers. The parks/woods near my have close their car-parks which has helped cut down the congestion a lot.