Woodland Workout Scheme

Forget expensive gym fees - rangers have come up with the perfect way to shed the pounds, save the pennies and give Mother Nature a helping hand!

The Forestry Commission and Lincolnshire Limewoods Project have launched a first ever ‘woodland workout’ project in the county to help folk keep in trim and improve the habitat for wildlife at Osgodsby Wood, near Market Rasen, and Great West Wood, near Wragby.

Now a recruitment drive is underway to get adults whether young or old to sign up for this conservation project.  Hannah Darcel, Health and Wellbeing Ranger with the Forestry Commission, explained:

“The sessions are all about doing yourself and the environment the world of good. There are loads of tasks that need doing in the woods, from removing invading plants and trees, restoring heathland, opening up ponds and enhancing historic features. These are also great ways of staying active and meeting new friends and can have a really positive impact on your sense of wellbeing.”

Volunteers will be taught the safe use of tools like pruning saws, scythes, loppers, bow saws, grass hooks and slashers and each session will start with gentle warm up exercises and end with a cooldown.  Hannah added  “People are encouraged to work at their own pace and there’s also a real sense of satisfaction in doing something to create new havens for animals and plants. There are lots of people who could benefit, including those recovering from illness or anyone with a passion for the great outdoors, whatever their fitness level.”

Great West Wood is part of the Bardney Limewoods National Nature Reserve and is a site of special scientific interest. It contains a rich diversity of plant species and a moated archaeological feature.

Osgodby Wood boasts a range of habitats including heathland and a pond which have the potential to support a wide variety of wildlife.

Sessions are held at Great West Wood near Wragby on the second Tuesday of each month, with other sessions held at Osgodby Wood near Market Rasen.

For more information and to register your interest contact Hannah Darcel, details can be found above in the ‘contacts’ tab.