Forestry Commission - News - forest fun for all the family

Galloway families will have the opportunity to take part in a forest adventure this weekend when local rangers host an Outdoor Pursuits Day.

Forestry Commission Scotland is hosting the event at Kirroughtree Visitor Centre near Newton Stewart this Sunday (August 12) as part of its Active Woods campaign, which aims to encourage more people to enjoy activities in Scotland’s national woods and forests.

Outdoor Pursuits Day promises to have something for everyone, with displays from a local equestrian club, gun dog group and the 7stanes mountain bike stunt team, who will be putting on an amazing display of skill on a taxing bike assault course.

Local sports clubs and outdoor organisations will be in attendance with demonstrations and details of how to get involved in activities such as climbing, scuba diving and cycling.

Representatives from the local Paths to Health group, which aims to encourage people to improve their health and wellbeing through regular walking, will be encouraging visitors to sign up to the programme with guided walks through the forest.

For the more adventurous visitor, there will be several opportunities to get the adrenaline flowing,including guided mountain bike rides.

Even pets will have a chance to take part in the action with a specially designed assault course of hoops and fences to test their agility and obedience.

Lucy Hadley, of Forestry Commission Scotland, said the day is sure to be a big hit with families keen to make the most of the final weeks of the holidays.

“The purpose of this event is to introduce local people to the wide range of activities they can enjoy in their local woods and give them the chance to see the range of clubs and groups in the area involved in outdoor pursuits,” she explained.

“Forests are peaceful places but they can also be exciting, especially if you’re exploring the world-famous 7stanes mountain bike trails.

“I hope that people who come along to the event will be inspired to keep coming back to enjoy the forest, whether it’s on their own or as a member of a local club.”

There is no need to book in advance and families should report to Kirroughtree Visitor Centre (Galloway Forest Park, on the A75 about three miles east of Newton Stewart).
Activities will be running between 11am – 4pm on Sunday (August 12) and most are free of charge.

For more information about Outdoor Pursuits Day, call the local forest park office on 01671 402 420.

For more information about Forestry Commission Scotland’s Active Woods campaign log on to www.forestry.gov.uk/activewoods or telephone 0845 FORESTS (0845 367 3787).

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Executive’s forestry department and is the largest provider of outdoor recreation in Scotland. Each year, around 20 million people visit its forests and woodlands which cover over 17% of Scotland’s land mass – an amazing natural resource to explore.

2. It is recommended children accumulate one hour a day of exercise to benefit their health. Active children are more likely to be active adults, reducing their risk of life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and diabetes

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Lucy Hadley, Forestry Commission Scotland Galloway Forest District, 01671 402 420

Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland press office 0131 314 6508