Forest rangers in Dumfries and Galloway have launched an all-out effort to encourage people in the area to take some exercise in local woodlands.

It is estimated that seven out of ten people in Scotland do not take enough exercise.

With research linking green areas such as woodlands with good physical and mental health, local rangers are keen to show people the opportunities available right on their doorstep.

A programme of events is running over the summer in Dumfries and Galloway, as part of Forestry Commission Scotland’s Active Woods campaign to encourage more people to enjoy activities in Scotland’s national woods and forests.

And efforts are being stepped up over the next few weeks, with a series of health walks throughout the summer and a biking festival running taking place this week to tempt people into the outdoors.

Lucy Hadley, of Forestry Commission Scotland, believes the forests of Galloway are the ideal place for people to combine improving their health while enjoying the great outdoors.

She said: “It is estimated that seven out of 10 people in Scotland don’t take enough exercise but it’s important to realise that you don’t have to be doing long sessions at a gym to get active.”

This week’s mountain bike festival has seen serious bikers and beginners alike descend on Dumfries and Galloway to enjoy the world-famous 7Stanes routes in Ae Forest, Mabie Forest, Glentrool, Dalbeattie and Kirroughtree.

The festival aims to get whole families to enjoy the sport together and offers an adrenaline-fuelled mix of rides for all ages and abilities, as well as skills sessions for those trying the sport for the first time or looking to brush up on their technique.

On Thursday (August 3) there will be two guided rides in Mabie Forest, one of them for women only, and skills training sessions.

On Friday (August 4), Kirroughtree Visitor Centre will be the starting point for a variety of trails, ranging from easy to severe.

Julie Cartner, 7stanes lead co-ordinator, hopes the festival will give locals an insight into how much fun biking can be.

She said: “Cycling and mountain biking are great for all the family and this week’s mountain biking festival is a good introduction to the routes and paths we have here, which are suitable for everyone from the complete beginner to those looking for an adrenaline rush.

“These routes are open all year-round and we are always trying to encourage people to come out here and see what’s on offer.

“As well as being good fun, getting on your bike is a great way to improve your health.”

People across Dumfries and Galloway are also being encouraged to take the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle by taking part in a series of guided walks in the area.

Hosted by Forestry Commission Scotland, the Health Walks in local woodlands are around one-mile long and are aimed at both beginners and those with some experience of walking.

On Tuesday (August 8), a local ranger will take a group for a guided walk through the peaceful Barhill Woods near Kirkcudbright.

The following week it will be the people of Wigtown who are encouraged to dust off their trainers and take part in a short walk through Kilsture Woods on Wednesday August 16.

In a bid to encourage more people into the forests for the first time, local rangers have arranged transport to and from the woods, with three pick up points in each local town.

Tuesday’s Walk in Kircudbright will take walkers on a gentle stroll through Barhill woods. The walk is around one-mile long and walkers can learn about local wildlife along the way.

The walk starts at 2pm and there are three pick-up points in Kircudbright to transport walkers to the woods – the tourist information centre, the fire station and the library.

The following Wednesday (August 16), walkers can enjoy a relaxing walk through Kilsture Woods.

This walk will also start at 2pm, with the bus picking walkers up from three points in Wigtown – Wigtown Medical Centre, Sea View and County Buildings.

Lucy added: “Walking is a fantastic way to improve your health and the short escorted walks we have organised are a good way to make a start.

“We realise that not everyone has transport or knows how to get to their local forest so we are making the walks as accessible as possible by providing free transport from their local town.”

Walkers do not require any specialist clothing or footwear and are simply asked to wear comfortable shoes and bring a waterproof jacket.

Both walks are free of charge but booking is essential as spaces are limited.

For more information about the Health Walks and to book, call local forest ranger Lucy Hadley on 01671 402 420.

For more information about the mountain biking festival, call the national cycling organisation CTC on 0870 873 0060.

Forestry Commission Scotland’s Active Woods campaign aims to help improve the nation's health and well-being by encouraging more people to enjoy activities in Scotland’s national woods and forests.

For more information about the Forestry Commission Scotland’s Active Woods campaign log on to www.forestry.gov.uk/activewoods or telephone 0845 FORESTS (0845 367 3787).

There has been a dramatic fall in physical activity in Scotland over the last 50 years but

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Executive’s forestry department and is the largest provider of outdoor recreation in Scotland. Each year, around 20 million people visit its forests and woodlands which cover over 17% of Scotland’s land mass – an amazing natural resource to explore.


MEDIA CONTACTS:

Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland press office 0131 314 6507

Lucy Hadley, Galloway Forest District – 01671 402 420