Forestry Commission - News - your woodland needs you!

Do your bit for the environment - and do yourself some good at the same time!

That's the win-win deal on offer for folk who volunteer to give "the Forestry" a hand to spruce up Culloden Woods this Saturday. (7th May)

Forestry Commission Scotland's forester Brian Duff explained,

"We're holding a spring clean of the woods on Saturday morning and we're inviting members of the public to come along and give us a hand. We'll be doing simple things such as picking up litter and removing fly-tipping and that sort of thing.

"For folk who like to keep fit and healthy, but find exercising for its own sake a bit tedious, this is the perfect way to take some exercise and do something worthwhile for the environment and for the rest of society. And the fact that they'll have company while doing it will make it good fun as well.

"It's all part of our Active Woods campaign to encourage folk to get some exercise in the fresh air and peace and quiet of a woodland. There's no better place to get yourself feeling fitter and healthier in mind and body!"

Saturday's spring clean will take place between 10am and 12 noon on Saturday. Volunteers should meet forestry staff at the Culloden car park in Tower Road, Smithton. All ages are welcome, and volunteers should wear stout outdoor footwear and bring warm, waterproof clothing. Tools, equipment and refreshments will be provided. Further information is available from Inverness Forest District, telephone 01463 791575.

For details of other great places to go and woodland events to join in, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/activewoods or phone the Commission's public enquiry line, 0845 FORESTS (0845 367 3787).

NOTE TO EDITOR:

Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Executive's forestry department. It manages the national forests owned or leased by Scottish Ministers for multiple benefits, including timber production, nature conservation, public recreation, and rural and community development; assists other woodland owners with grants, felling licences, advice and regulation; promotes the benefits of forests and forestry; and advises Ministers on forestry policy.

NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS:

Charlton Clark, press office, 0131 314 6507; mobile 07810 181067;
Brian Duff, Inverness Forest District, 01463 791575