Forestry Commission - News - log onto your local woodlands in south east england

People in the South East of England have come out top of the national table in recognising forests and woodlands as places to exercise and keep fit, according to research from the Forestry Commission. And now it is even easier to discover the health and fitness opportunities on offer at woods in South East England with the launch of a new regional Forestry Commission website today (1 April).

Of those surveyed in the South East, 82% agreed that woodlands are a great place to exercise and keep fit. South East residents also topped the tables for their appreciation of trees in the urban environment, with 94% agreeing that trees and woods make towns and cities more attractive places to live and work.

The South East is the most wooded region in England, which means that a woodland walk is never far away. The Forestry Commission manages woodland throughout the region and is keen to encourage public access. We also pay grants to owners of other woodlands to promote access.

“Spring has most definitely sprung and now is a great time to get back in touch with your local woodland." Says the Forestry Commission’s Forest Management Director for SE England David Williamson. " They have so much to offer, from a gentle stroll with the family to see nature returning to life after the winter, to mountain-biking on specially designed trails.”

”We have launched a new regional website so you can find out more about the work we do in your area, how and where to experience the great woodlands close to you and how we may be able to help you if you own or manage a woodland.”

Regionally focused information on recreation, education, conservation and grants can now be found online at – www.forestry.gov.uk/southeastengland

* The survey results were revealed in the Forestry Commission’s Public Opinion of Forestry survey, part of a series run since 1993.

Ends

Notes to Editors

1. The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible in England for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands. Further information can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk/england

2. In 2007, four separate public opinion of forestry surveys were undertaken - across the UK (around 4,000 interviews), Scotland (1,000 interviews), Wales (950 interviews) and Northern Ireland (1,000 interviews). The England report represents the results from over 3,000 residents. It can be found online at http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/ENGLANDOPINION2007final.pdf/$file/ENGLANDOPINION2007final.pdf

3. The new Forestry Commission England Regional website for the South East can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk/southeastengland

Contact: Stuart Burgess 01223 346027, stuart.burgess@forestry.gov.uk, 07785 748351