When you’re living in a city or dealing with health issues or stress, it can be hard to see the wood for the trees. Our new Green Health Routes initiative in the North East is here to help you stretch your legs and breathe in that fresh forest air. We are designing walking in two Forestry England owned forests – Chopwell Wood and Guisborough Forest – to encourage residents to engage with their local wild space.
Spending time in green spaces has been proven to boost physical and mental wellbeing. However, it’s not always easy to know where to go, especially if you have mobility concerns or lack confidence in going out into the woods alone. That’s why we are making these routes as accessible and inviting as possible.
Whether you’re after a gentle woodland stroll, a chance to spot wildlife, or a social walk with others, we want everyone to feel at home in the forest.
What to expect from Green Health Routes
Beyond simply mapping routes, we are creating opportunities for people to experience the woods in ways that work for them. Whether you’re a nature lover or just want a reason to get outside, there’s a walk for you. All of these walks have been designed to support physical and mental health through movement and connection.
- Wildlife walks – get to know the call of the warbling warbler, a singing blackbird or the hammering of the great spotted woodpecker.
- Photography walks – run by professional photographers, learn how to capture the beauty of the woods
- Community Walks – meet fellow walkers at the local hub and walk together to the woods, making sure to stop for a hot cup of coffee on your way back
We’re also looking for volunteers to help keep these walks going in the long run. If you love nature and want to help others connect with it, we’d love to hear from you!
Challenges & Lessons Learned
Of course, designing these routes hasn’t been without its challenges. From making sure paths are truly accessible to navigating signage logistics, it’s been a learning process. One of the biggest hurdles has been ensuring that the routes work for everyone—whether you’re an experienced hiker or new to the outdoors.
That’s why we’re actively seeking feedback. If you try a route, let us know what works and what doesn’t! Your experiences will help shape the project and make these walks even better for the whole community
Get Involved!
We are just kicking off this project so look forward to more to come! Over the next few months, we will be tweaking routes, running test walks and gathering stories from people who have benefitted from them.
If you’d like to get involved as a walker, volunteer or just by sharing your thoughts, give us a shout!
In partnership with Forestry England’s, Feel Good in the Forest, we want people to know that the woods are for everyone. So grab your waterproof jacket and join us!
Email us for more information – info@nhsforest.org or visit our Green Health Routes page.
