Two seminar days aimed at health professionals, organisations and individuals with an interest in linking health care with the natural environment are being held in Aberystwyth and Treherbert on the 16th and 23rd March respectively

Click the links below to download the flyer and booking form and agenda:
   Coed Lleol seminar days poster- bilingual
   Seminar days booking form

 Agenda- Treherbert Seminar day 23rd March 2012

 Agenda for Woodlands for Health and Wellbeing- Aberystwyth seminar day

The seminar days will explore theory and practice of the health benefits of green exercise, building on the knowledge and experience gained by both participants and leaders in the Actif Woods Wales project. There will be the opportunity to get out in the woods and have a go at some activities from green gym to woodworking.

The Actif Woods Wales project has so far focused on establishing locally run woodland health activities in and around Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, and Treherbert in Rhondda Cynon Taf, and has been funded by Forestry Commission Wales (FCW) and the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW)

The free sessions are specially tailored for people with a variety of chronic health conditions such as depression, osteoarthritis, diabetes and heart problems.  The project is supported by a range of health sector organisations including the National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) and MIND.

Activities include Nordic walking, green woodworking skills, bushcraft skills, plant and animal identification, fire-lighting and simply walking in and enjoying the woodlands, and are attended by people with a variety of physical and mental health conditions ranging from arthritis to depression.

Zena Wilmot of the Coed Lleol Partnership, which is running the sessions, said: "We all know that exercise is good for us, but going to the gym to get fit isn't for everyone.

"This project has shown that walking or being active in woodlands really can improve health and reduce stress at the same time as building interests, developing skills and having lots of fun.
“These days will be an opportunity to share experience, explore the science behind the theory and for people to network between the sectors. "

The Aberystwyth day will be held on Friday 16th March from 10.00- 4.30, at the Morlan Centre and Penglais Woods. The Treherbert day will be held on Friday 23rd March from 09.30- 15.00, at the Penyrenglyn Project office and Cwm Saerbren woods.
Both events are FREE, with lunch and refreshments provided.

They will be an inspiring and memorable days for anyone with an interest in health and wellbeing or woodlands in Wales. For more details, interviews, hi-res images- or to book a place please contact Jo or Zena:
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