News
Get Active in our Urban Woodlands, says Minister
24th April 2006
Too many people are missing out on the benefits of getting active in England's woodlands, thinking they are only found in rural areas, Forestry Minister Jim Knight said today.
Mr Knight, who walked and cycled through Leigh Woods on the outskirts of Bristol, said that too many people thought visiting a forest automatically meant a visit to the countryside.
"It's important for everyone to know that you don't need to travel miles into the heart of England's countryside to enjoy our woodlands and green spaces. Some of our most cherished woodlands are on the doorsteps of cities and large towns," he said.
Mr Knight said the Forestry Commission's Active Woods campaign, a national drive to promote the range of health and fitness opportunities offered by Britain's woodlands, included hundreds of events across the UK.
"We too often think of our health as being about seeing health professionals and taking medicines. It's easy to lose sight of the fact that much of our health and well-being depends on our environment and taking regular exercise - and it's important to make that exercise enjoyable, particularly for children.
"Getting active in our woodlands is a great way to achieve this, and I applaud the Forestry Commission on the work they are doing to encourage more people to get active in the woods - no matter where they live."
Research indicates that exercising in woods and green spaces reduces stress levels, boosts mental well-being, and can speed recovery from illness.
Mr Knight said that Leigh Woods was a model case of the benefits woodlands can provide.
"This is a wonderful forest - an excellent example of ancient woodland heritage mixed with some areas of conifers. It is not only a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve that provides a home for some of the country's threatened wildlife, but also provides a valuable cultural and archaeological record and a place for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy.
"As part of the Forest of Avon, one of our national network of Community Forests, it truly reflects the role forests have played in our culture since medieval times - places where people live and work, gather and enjoy their free time, and value and care for the natural environment.
"Both the Forestry Commission and the National Trust, who share ownership of Leigh Woods, should be congratulated on the excellent work they are doing for the people of Bristol and for the many people who visit the area."
