This New Year's Day, some people around the city will be preparing to celebrate by taking a walk. 

Here is a list of five parks and woodlands in and around Stoke-on-Trent, perfect for walking all year round. 

Park Hall Country Park 

Park Hall Country Park in Weston Coyney (Image credit: Charles C via Wikimedia Commons)

Park Hall Country Park on Hulme Road, Weston Coyney, is an important natural site in Stoke-on-Trent.   

There are paths around the site, offering both easy and more challenging walks as well as four pools with a range of birds and insects. 

Dogs are allowed but must be kept out of the children's play area. 

Find out more here

Westport Lake 

Westport Lake in Tunstall (image via Nub News)

Westport Lake, on Westport Lake Road in Tunstall, is Stoke-on-Trent's largest expanse of water and consists of two lakes, and a nature reserve. 

Visit Staffordshire explained that the lake is an important overwintering site for many water birds and the conservation area is home to wildlife including kingfishers and dragonflies. 

Dogs are allowed but must be kept out of the children's play area. 

Find out more here

Apedale Community Country Park 

Apedale Community Country Park in Newcastle-under-Lyme (Image credit: Jonathan Hutchins via Wikimedia Commons)

Apedale Community Country Park on Black Bank Road, Knutton, Newcastle-under-Lyme is home to woodland, pools and pastureland. 

The park was once an Open Cast mining site and visitors can see historical industrial features as well as enjoying the woodland walks. 

Dogs are allowed but must be kept out of some areas such as signed conservation areas. 

Find out more here

Greenway Bank Country Park and Knpersley Resevoir 

Greenway Bank Country Park in Knypersley (image via Nub News)

Greenway Bank Country Park and Knypersley Reservoir on Greenway Bank, Knypersley, Staffordshire has woodland paths for visitors to follow around the pools. 

The site also contains features from the days when the site was the landscaped grounds of a stately home. 

Dogs are allowed and should be kept on leads.

Find out more here

Hem Heath Woods 

Hem Heath Woods in Hem Heath, Stoke-on-Trent is a Staffordshire Wildlife Trust woodland. 

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust said: "Although often referred to as Hem Heath, this woodland encompasses four distinct woods - The Oaks, Newstead Wood, Newpark Plantation and Hem Heath. 

"Whatever the title, there's no doubt that this reserve provides a wonderful green oasis, and is the largest area of woodland in Stoke-on-Trent!" 

Dogs are allowed but must be on leads. 

Find out more here