Visits to local woodlands are being “prescribed”
as part of the National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) to provide
opportunities for exercise through woodland activities in order to combat a variety of chronic health conditions such
as depression, osteoarthritis, diabetes and heart problems. The Actif Woods Wales project, run by the Coed Lleol Partnership, part of the Small Woods Association, is funded by Forestry Commission Wales and is based on woodlands’ ability to improve health and well
being by reducing stress and providing opportunities for exercise.
The project involves woods in Aberystwyth,
Ceredigion, and Treherbert in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
In addition to the the Welsh Government-funded National Exercise Referral Scheme, and referrals from mental
health groups, such as MIND in Aberystwyth, people with
chronic conditions can also refer themselves for the woodland therapy.
Mair Jones, from Aberystwyth, who has ME, which
is also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, said woodland walking had become
part of her weekly routine since being referred to the scheme.
I have gained much benefit in having a regular outdoor activity arranged on a weekly basis," she said. "It has now become part of my weekly routine and doesn't depend on the weather, as sheltering in the woods on a rainy day with company is all part of the fun."
Coed Lleol now have their own facebook page, and
it would be great if everyone who engages with this medium could ‘like’ the
page and encourage their friends and associates to do the same.
A 16-week winter programme has
just been launched in local woodlands, building on the success of spring and summer courses which saw more than 80 people attend. Sessions include activities such as Nordic walking, green woodworking skills, bushcraft skills, plant and animal identification, fire-lighting and making tea over an open fire – or simply walking in and enjoying the woodlands. In
Treherbert there are groups based on using the natural environment for
exercise, and a conservation group run in partnership with BTCV.
Coed Lleol has recently been in the news a few
times- see the links below for some of the articles written about Actif Woods
Wales:
BBC Wales: http://digbig.com/5bfenb
Wales on Sunday: http://digbig.com/5bfena
ME and you magazine: http://digbig.com/5bfene
For more details on the activities running
contact Zena Wilmot from Coed Lleol on
01654 700061 or zenawilmot@smallwoods.org.uk
