Time for a new forest hobby

Have you been thinking about taking up a new hobby?  Are you looking to get more active?  If so, forests may not be the first places that spring to mind, but they really should be.  

You may associate forests with having adrenaline-fuelled bike trails or intimidating places where only the very adventurous go to walk or run off path, but actually, they are perfect places for you to get active, regardless of ability or fitness level.

Forestry England manage 1500 forests across England and their mission is to connect everyone with the nation’s forest.  They aim to do this in a number of ways, one of which is to provide a wide range of forest-based activities to suit everyone.  As well as all-ability walking and cycling trails they work with a range of partners to deliver lots of fun activities all within the beautiful forests they manage so there’s never been a better time to find out what’s local to you.

If you need more reasons to get a new forest hobby, research shows that being active in a forest environment is much better than getting active indoors.

To help get you inspired, here are just a few examples of fun forest activities – visit the Forestry England website to find out what is near you.

Nordic Walking

Nordic Walking is a great, low impact workout which burns 20-40% more calories than walking normally. By using specially designed poles you work all the major muscles in the body, without putting unnecessary strain on your joints. This makes it a fantastic way to stay active and burn more calories!  Forestry England and Nordic Walk UK have partnered to offer a range of walks across our forests, including the new Power of Poles 90 min induction session which is an invigorating way to master using walking poles for fitness and fun. From spectacular mountain hikes and sheltered pinewood trails to quiet streamside paths that meander under old oak trees, the nation’s forests have it all.   Find out more here.

Orienteering

Orienteering is a map reading challenge, suitable for all levels.  This exciting and challenging activity exercises both body and mind.   The aim is to navigate between control points marked on an orienteering map – and if competition is your thing, you can try and complete the course in the quickest time possible.  Lots of forests have a great orienteering offer, and if you’re visiting with younger members of the family why not try Gruffalo Orienteering courses? Find out more here.

Walking 

Whether it is a gentle meander you’re after, or a more brisk walk to get your heart pumping, forests have paths to suit anyone.  From all ability flat waymarked trails to more hidden away tracks as well as stunning scenery and wildlife to spot, you will find a walk to suit you.

Running

Forests are the perfect places to start running with safe off-road trails in beautiful surroundings – much more enjoyable than road running.  Forestry England have a range of accessible running trails from 1k to get you started and then longer trails to progress onto!  Some forests have running clubs too, so check what is local to you on the website here and start a new running habit.

Or how about something different?

There really are lots of ways to get active in the forests – and there might be opportunities to try something you wouldn’t immediately expect to do in a forest?  How about some yoga or pilates amongst the trees?  Or channelling your inner Robin Hood and having a go at Archery?  There really is something for everyone so what are you waiting for?  Get online at forestryengland.uk and find out what is on offer near you.  You won’t regret it.

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