Active Woods at Alice Holt

 

Active Woods is really about having fun out and about in the woods, be that as a leisurely afternoon stroll or something more energetic. Research has shown that just being in a green environment is good for us, and if we add in some exercise the benefits are even greater! Many of our events fall under the umbrella of Active Woods, but listed below are some special events, regular weekly opportunities to join us at Alice Holt and activity ideas to set you on your own journey of discovery in the forest.

For information about our activities and events programme at Alice Holt see our Recreation pages (link on the right) or ring 01420 520212. Holt Happenings also has information about all these things. It can be sent to you on request or you can download it here.

Babes in the Wood
These are very popular sessions of fun and activities for toddlers aged 12 months to 2 _^1/2  years with their carers. Following a different woodland theme each week we head out into the fresh air for a lively activity walk. It's then back to the classroom for stories or craft and some well earned refreshments, all included in the price. Sessions for the spring are as follows:

Tuesdays 10.30am -12noon Feb 3rd, 10th and 24th 
Mondays 10.30am -12noon March 9th,16th,23rd and 30th

Book early to avoid disappointment. Book for one session or a whole series of three or four.

We can also run special Babes in the Wood sessions for groups of 8-10 children along the lines of our regular sessions.

Little Explorers
Little Explorers has returned this season with more sessions for pre-schoolers (rising 3 to 4years old). It's based on a similar programme to Babes in the Wood, but with slightly longer walks and lots of chances to use imagination both out in the woods and back in the classroom! Sessions will take place as follows:

Tuesdays 2.30-4pm Feb 3rd, 10th and 24th

Book for one session or the whole series of three.

As for Babes in the Wood, special group sessions are available.

Nordic Walking
We've been runnning Nordic Walking classes for over year now. It's great fun and is also an ideal way to build up your fitness and get out into the fresh air. You start gently and progress at your own rate to whatever level you wish so it's perfect for those who want some gentle exercise and for those who want a challenging workout. We recommend beginners attend 4 progressive sessions to develop good technique. Improvers are welcome to attend any session. Sessions will take place as follows:

Tuesdays 10-11.15am January 20th and 27th, February 3rd and 10th

Tuesdays 10-11.15am February 24th, March 3rd, 10th and 17th

Wednesdays 7-8.15pm April 22nd and 29th, May 6th and 13th

Wednesdays 7-8.15pm June 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th

Details are available in Holt Happenings or ring 01420 23666 for information and booking.

Walking to Health Walks
These short, gentle, guided walks are led by volunteers and aimed at anyone who wants to make a start at getting fitter. A lovely chance to enjoy the great outdoors and meet new people. For further information on walking to health in East Hampshire visit www.get activenow.org and for Walking to Health in general visit www.whi.org.uk. This year's walk series has finished but there will be more walks next year. Further details later.

Discovery Trail
This is our family activity trail to be found on the Easy Access Trail. Leaflets are available by the car park meters, in the cafe and in the Forest Office free of charge and you can be your own guide to  interesting features along the way. There's an 'Active Kids Extra' inside the leaflet to help children burn up some of that extra energy!

Wild Woods Club
This is a great opportunity for children aged 5 -11 to have fun in the forest and discover all sorts of things out there. For a joining fee of only £4, members receive an activity pack with masses of ideas for things to do both in the woods and at home along with a pen, rubber, crayon and badge. Each member also receives a Reward Card which is stamped with the special club rubber stamp every time they come to one of our children's activities. When the card is full there's a prize to collect and a new Reward Card to fill up for the next, even better prize. You can join over the phone or at any of our children's events and there's a special page on the website just for the club. It gives you ideas for things to do in the woods and the latest club news. It would also be great to have some items from club members about things they like to do here or wildlife they've spotted.

Guided Walks
These are primarily for adults. They include wildlife walks such as Bat Watches and walks to give visitors an insight into what goes on behind the scenes to keep the forest in good health whilst providing plenty for people to do. If you're a member of a group and you'd like a guided walk, please let us know what you'd like to find out about and we'll do our best to provide it. You don't have to be part of an organisation to be a group. We're more than happy to lead walks for a group of friends.

Children's and Youth groups
We can offer activity days and shorter visits for groups of all ages. Activities include woodland games, den building, simple orienteering and crafts for younger children whilst team challenges, shelter building and more challenging orienteering are amongst the offerings for older groups. We can also help with badge work in environmental and forestry related subjects for groups such as Brownies, Guides, Cubs and Scouts. We can run activities for you whether you're an official group or organisation or simply  a group of friends..

For further information and to book please contact ring 01420 23666.