Forests of Fun to Keep Children Active During Summer Holiday

August 18, 2006, 5:24 pm

‘I’m bored!’ It’s a familiar cry from children during the long summer break – but the Forestry Commission’s Active Woods campaign aims to put a stop to humdrum holidays.

Keeping the children physically active can be a challenge when it is so easy to be distracted by the television and computer games – but once they experience the acres of excellent activities on offer in the forests, they won’t want to spend another day indoors.

The Active Woods campaign makes it easy for families all over the UK by encouraging people to get out and active in the woods. You can chill out among the trees, or get up a sweat at any of the forest facilities and activity centres across England. And the Commission is putting on activities throughout the summer ranging from mountain bike sessions and nature walks, to fun days with everything from pond-dipping to den building and survival skills - little and big kids invited!

Chief Ranger, Paddy Harrop, said:

“Woodlands are great areas for kids and families to enjoy - full of things to do, adventures to have, and all while being outdoors in the fresh air. Throughout the summer we have got some great activities going on across the country, but on any day of the week, we have cycle routes, scenic walks and all sorts of activities for people to enjoy.”

So why not head out to the country areas in Devon, including the chance to gallop away on horse riding trails at Harcombe Horse Box Park at Haldon Forest near Exeter in Devon. No bikes, no joggers - just horses, and a quarter mile stretch for galloping. Devon is a haven for riders, and Haldon Forest Park is an excellent place for both you and your horse to enjoy, whatever your ability. This is a lovely, natural environment where you can enjoy horse riding to the full. Riders are welcome to bring their dogs if they keep to designated trails.

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 welly-wanging, den-building and meditation in the woods, reflecting the campaign’s three themes of naturally active, naturally stimulating and naturally relaxing. Many of these activities are free to access and use. Research has shown that exercising in natural environments reduces stress levels and can speed recovery from illness. It also offers new and different ways of building a sustainable health programme – walking the dog, or cycling instead is far more attractive than a couple of hours down the gym, but may do you just as much good! For further information on Active Woods go to www.forestry.gov.uk/activewoods