FOREST Enterprise Scotland is encouraging families to actively use the woodlands this summer to promote the outdoors and a healthy wellbeing.

There are many woodlands in and around Scotland perfect for physical activities but many don’t realise how close and accessible these greenspaces are especially for keeping children amused during the summer holidays.

Look at the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area where there are such places as Blairadam Forest, near Kelty; Harran Hill Wood, in Benarty; and The Den in Cardenden.

There are many opportunities for keeping kids fit, active and preoccupied in the great outdoors. Woodlands are the perfect place to teach children how to ride a bike, with a large variety of paths in every woodland, flat, hilly, rough or smooth, it is a great way to get kids started.

For a more relaxing physical activity take the kids for an easy walk – walking helps to relax and encourages concentration preparing children for going back to school.

Not only does the outdoors benefit our physical health, but also our mental health as visiting a greenspace is associated with lower levels of stress, reduced symptoms of anxiety and heightens creativity.

Encourage social interaction with other children through team games, bring along a football or rackets and get chatting to other visitors of the woodlands. You never know your little one might stumble upon one of their new classmates.

There are many woods to choose from for the perfect family day out, we hope everyone will enjoy their local greenspace this summer.

To find out where your local woodland is, the paths and parks available or to discover other activities head to: http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/

JULIE McALPINE,

Community Engagement Manager,

Forest Enterprise Scotland.