Sunderland student documents 'beauty' of city in lockdown blog

One blog entry said: "There is something so relaxing watching and listening to the waves crash against the pier and beach on a stormy day."

A student blog aims to inspire the people of Sunderland to get outside and improve their mental wellbeing during lockdown.

Amy Darbyshire has documented her thoughts and photographed each new place she has discovered on her doorstep since January.

She hopes it will encourage others to explore the "many green open spaces" in the city a lot of people "might not know about".

"I think a lot of people haven't had the opportunity to see the beauty of Sunderland as they don't give it a chance.

"There are some amazing views that are perfect for thinking or just to get away from stressful things life throws at us," she said.

She wrote: "I feel part of a community when there are others around me waiting for the sun to make an appearance."

The 22-year-old from Newcastle started Discover Sunderland as part of her photography course at The University of Sunderland - sharing her thoughts and feelings on the views.

She said: "Many people are struggling with mental health and wellbeing during lockdown, so I hope the people of Sunderland find some inspiration to discover what is on their doorstep.

"Visiting new places rather than sticking to the same places, while improving their mental wellbeing and increasing physical health."

Amy said some of the places were much quieter than others, which made them perfect for social distancing

For Amy, being stuck in her flat during the first lockdown was "difficult" and she "struggled" on her own while her family was in Newcastle.

"I have been a lot better during this third lockdown... I typically create landscape photography projects which gives me the opportunity to get outside and has helped my mental wellbeing.

"Getting outdoors and into nature benefits the mind so much by calming us down, reducing stress, increases our physical activity, boosts our mood and feel more relaxed."

The student said connecting with nature and being outside had helped her mental health

As well as landmarks, she has photographed wildlife which she says "boosted my mood for the day".

"This is an activity that can also be done in a garden and doesn't have to be done away from home.

"I feel it could help a lot of people, to just enjoy watching nature and live in the moment."

She wrote: "I really enjoy watching and photographing robins, but they can be quite difficult to photograph because they move around so quickly."

Amy also hopes to change people's opinions of the area through her work.

"I've discovered so many new places that I've never been to before because of this project," she said.

"My outlook on the city has definitely changed, I've discovered a side I didn't know Sunderland had.

"People need to get outside and explore what the city really has to offer for themselves, don't just accept what you've heard others say about it."

Amy wrote: "My favourite place by far is Barnes park, it is so beautiful here. I love searching for squirrels and following them around to capture the perfect photograph of them."