Tuesday 09:25
The Forestry Commission is urging people to get off the sofa and into the woods this spring and take part in series of healthy 'trailblazing' sessions!
Thetford Forest is staging a host of healthy living events offering all age groups a chance to wander local trails, enjoy the dawn chorus and learn more about the wildlife that lives in the wood.
It's all part of a packed programme of events organised under a new UK campaign called "Active Woods," bidding to boost mind, body and spirit by getting people out and about amidst the beautiful trees.
The Forestry Commission's Anne Embry said:
"The Active Woods events offer fantastic ways to stay healthy and feel young. Woods are great places for exercise such as walking, running and cycling.
"You don't have to be keen on exercise to get involved - events such as the Dawn Chorus can contribute to a sense of wellbeing, and research has proven over and over again that woods and green spaces help reduce stress levels and boost morale."
The events all feature in the new What's On guide, available from High Lodge at Thetford or via post. Telephone 01842 816031 for a copy. Events being staged at Thetford Forest include:
Babes in the Wood: 10.30am every Wednesday, April 13 - May 25 inclusive. Regular activities for pre-school age groups to come and explore the wonders of the forest. Sing songs, play games and do some crafts. Subscription includes discount card for restaurant, shop and activity days at Thetford Forest. Meets every Wednesday for seven weeks.
Discovery Day - Insects: 10am, Saturday, May 7. Join a ranger on his wildlife watch and learn more about some of the "wild" inhabitants of Thetford Forest Park. Concentrating on insects and their activities. We will be searching for evidence of them and with a bit of luck discovering the real ones too!
Dawn Chorus: 4am on Sunday, May 15. Join us on an early morning two-mile walk to listen to the unique choir of the forest songbirds followed by a hearty breakfast back at High Lodge.
For further information on any of these dates or to book your place, call 01842 816031.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Active Woods is a national drive, being led by the Forestry Commission, to promote the vast range of health and fitness opportunities offered by Britain's woodlands. Hundreds of events are being organised across the UK, including walks, dawn chorus safaris and meditation workshops, reflecting the campaign's three themes of naturally active, naturally stimulating and naturally relaxing.
2. The Government's recent 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. Obesity levels have also tripled.
3. Active Woods aims to tap the potential of woods to contribute to the Government's health targets. Not only do the nation's forest offer a host of ways to keep in trim and have fun, but research has shown that exercising in natural environments reduces stress levels and can speed recovery from illness.
Issued on behalf of the Forestry Commission by GNN East.
Our mission is to protect and expand Britain's forests and woodlands and increase their value to society and the environment
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