Natural England

Children from Holy Rood Catholic School and members of the Swindon Health Walks are helping to launch a brand new health initiative in Swindon today – Tuesday 10 June.

The 3G Woodland Games Project, funded by Natural England, Swindon Borough Council, Forestry Commission and the Great Western Community Forest is aimed at promoting the use of green spaces and woodland areas in and around Swindon to improve the physical health and mental well being of the local community. The activities on offer are extra special and it is hoped will attract all age groups from children through to grand parents.

Simon Pitman, the Project Coordinator said, “Orienteering and ultimate frisbee are some of the activities that the youngsters from Holy Rood Catholic Junior School will be trying out today. The Swindon walkers will be enjoying a brisk walk on the Lawns in Old Town which backs onto the school playing fields. My aim is to help improve the health of the Swindon community by encouraging them, young and old, to be active in the beautiful green spaces close to their own doorsteps.”

Stella Goddard, Natural England’s Healthy Walks Coordinator said, “This event is the first of many exciting new opportunities that will be coming up over the next three years in and around the Great Western Community Forest as a result of the collaboration between the Forestry Commission and Natural England. Look out for intriguing events around where you live such as cani –cross, disc golf, yoga and tai-chi. There will be activities to attract all ages and abilities. Community coaches will be on hand to show people what to do and offer training opportunities to people who want to become trainers themselves”.

Gesa Reiss, the Project Manager added, “This is a pilot project to provide physical activities with a difference - an opportunity for families to have an enjoyable time together in the great outdoors and get fit at the same time. Not only will this improve people’s physical health but it should also improve their mental well being by giving them the opportunity to reconnect with the natural environment. We hope the project proves a huge success and will assess its progress.”

A series of events will be advertised throughout the summer months and extra special activities will be held as part of the Forest Festival on 30 August. For more information about the events access the GWCF website at www.forestweb.org.uk or contact Simon Pitman on 01793 466324.

Notes for Editor

1. For more information about the 3G Woodland Games Project please contact Simon Pitman on 01793 466324
2. The Great Western Community Forest aims to create a multi-purpose forest embracing Swindon and its surrounds, provide an outstanding environment for investment, developing new job and business opportunities, encourage community involvement in the creation, maintenance and enjoyment of the Forest, increase tree cover to an average of 30%, improve biodiversity and provide new leisure and recreation opportunities to promote healthy lifestyles. Community Forest covers an area of 168 square miles stretching from Wootton Bassett to Faringdon, the North Wessex Downs to the Thames.
3. Green Exercise is any informal physical activity that takes place outdoors: from gardening, cycling and walking in urban green areas, to kite flying and conservation projects
4. Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings. We promote access and recreation and contribute to the sustainable management of our natural resources.
   To do this, we support individuals and organisations in actions that will benefit the natural environment, increase opportunities to make it an enriching part of people’s everyday lives, and bring together those who influence and shape our environmental future.
5. For more information about this press release please contact Dot Isgrove on 01823 281803