Following the successful 5 and 10 week pilot projects earlier this year, Coed Lleol are now running two 20 week programmes in each area. All the activities are led by trained leaders and, thanks to Forestry Commission Wales. Activities are tailored to the participants needs, will develop according to who attends and there is always a gentle option- you certainly don’t have to be fit to attend!
This radical new approach to treating a variety of mental and physical illnesses is based on the natural environment’s ability to improve health and well being by reducing stress and providing opportunities for exercise. In this way we aim to encourage people to revisit and continue to be involved in the woodland after the end of the health project.

The two projects are running in Strategic Regeneration Areas, one in south Wales (Treherbert, Rhondda Cynon Taf) and one in mid Wales (Aberystwyth).  Coed Lleol is working collaboratively with local organisations, groups and individuals from woodland, health and community development sectors. Local partnerships have been established in each of the pilot areas to help shape the project and ensure that local needs are met.

Having recently had funding confirmed for a new 3 year phase of the project we aim to lead on to develop a similar but broader programme of activities across Wales starting this year; these areas will be Wrexham, Neath Port Talbot and Anglesey. Get in touch if you’re interested in getting a similar partnership up and running one of these areas.

Recruitment will soon begin for project officers in these areas- details should be on here in the near future!

 

For a more detailed project summary see here:
 Actif Woods Wales project summary- March 2013