CHILL OUT IN THE NATION'S WOODS THIS SUMMER

The Forestry Commission has issued a hard-hitting health message: relax and take a stroll down to your local wood.

Britain’s biggest provider of outdoor recreation, with two million acres under its belt, has launched a new health-push called Active Woods, bidding to get people off the sofa and into sylvan beauty spots this summer to keep in trim.

Backed by the British Heart Foundation, scores of activities are being staged across the UK. But it's not just another fitness drive, explains Paddy Harrop, Recreation Manager for England.

"Research has confirmed that spending time in natural environments reduces stress and increases feelings of well-being. That’s why woods are also great places to soothe over-worked minds and stimulate the senses."

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, of the British Heart Foundation, added:

"We are delighted to give the campaign our backing. By doing regular physical activity you can protect your health in many ways, including significantly reducing your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. Plus what better incentive could there be than taking advantage of the many activities provided by the natural backdrop of the nation's woodlands?"

Events lined-up for July include:

Nightjar and Glow-worms - Thetford Forest, East Anglia

5 and 8 July.

Stimulate the senses by taking a two mile stroll to hear nightjars and see the soft light of glow-worms. Adults and children over 10 years.

8.30pm at Mayday Farm, off the B1106, near Brandon. Cost £3.50. Booking required on 01842 816031.

Tai Chi – Sherwood Pines Forest Park, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12 to 28 July

Goodness knows what Robin Hood would make of it, but his old stomping ground is the venue for Oriental meditation, guaranteed to chill-out even stressed outlaws.

Evenings. Cost £3 adults and £2 concessions. Bookings and further details on 01623 822447.

Trailblazers – Cannock Chase Forest, Staffordshire

12 July

Saddle-up to improve your map reading and riding skills in one of the West Midlands best mountain bike venues. Then work-out with a spot of orienteering through the pines.

6pm at the Birches Valley Forest Centre, off the Penkridge Bank Road, near Rugeley. Booking required on 01827 55195

Wildlife Detectives – Whinlatter Forest Park, Keswick, Lake District

20 July and 17 August

Can’t tell the difference between a deer or a badger print, then join wildlife rangers for a free two hour trek through the spectacular Lakes wood.

10am at Noble Knott car park, Whinlatter Forest Park. Booking required on 017687 78469.

Forest Adventure – North East England

Hamsterley Forest, near Bishop Auckland, 25 July

Chopwell Wood, Gateshead, 1 August

Kielder Castle, Kielder Forest, 22 August.

Woodland chiefs are banking on the "Ray Mears" effect to entice youngsters to spend an energetic day den building, learning about wildlife and getting tips on survival skills. Suitable for children aged 8 to 12 years-old.

10am to 3.30pm at all venues. Cost £5 per child. Tel: 01434 220242.

Child of the Wild – New Forest, Hampshire

26 July

Get back to nature in the fresh air with this family event with plenty of hands on activities and a chance to get to grips with the forest. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

10am at Anderwood car park, off the A35 three miles south west of Lyndhurst. Cost £2. Tel: 023 8028 3141

Have a Go Day - Mallards Pike, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
27 July

Blow the cobwebs out of your system with orienteering, nature trails, archery and activities on the lake. Suitable for all ages.

11am - 4pm. Small charge for most activities. Meet at Mallards Pike Lake, near Blakeney. Tel: 01594 833057

Native American Day – Alice Holt Woodland Park, Farnham, Surrey

28 July

Learn how Native Americans lived in harmony with nature and paint your own totem pole. Children under 8 must be accompanied.

10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.15pm. Booking required on 01420 520212.

Tree Tonic Trail - National Arboretum at Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire

All summer

Visitors are being challenged to lose a total of one million calories this summer by walking a new Tree Tonic Trail, specially mapped so they know how many calories they’ve burnt. The lure is the fabulous landscape, with 18,000 tree and shrub specimens.

10am to 8pm. Entry is £5 adults, £4 concessions and £1 children. Family ticket £10. Tel: 01666 880220

For more on Active Woods, tips on improving your health and full listings go to www.forestry.gov.uk/active or phone 0845 FORESTS (0845 3673787).

NOTE TO EDITOR
The Government's White Paper "Choosing Health: Making Healthy Choices Easier" reveals that over a third of people are not active enough, while rates of walking and cycling have fallen since 1980. Separate research conducted in the West Midlands and by Essex University (commissioned by the Countryside Recreation Network) has highlighted the benefits of woodland exercise. The Essex report estimates the national cost of physical inactivity at over £8 billion annually in terms of sick leave, mortality and direct costs to the NHS.

Active Woods aims to tap the potential of woods to contribute to the Government's health targets, offering opportunities on the themes of naturally active, stimulating and relaxing. Most recent figures reveal that over 250 million visits are made to UK woodlands each year (2002-2003).

Media calls to Richard Darn on 01226 246351, mobile 0775 367 0038.