Forestry and Land Scotland is helping celebrate National Walking Day by inviting people across the country to take time out for a visit to their local woodland.
Coming at the start of Stress Awareness Month, FLS is hoping that the combination of good weather, fresh air and the peace and quiet of a local forest will encourage people to take part and enjoy a health and well-being boost.
Looking after visitor destinations across Scotland, FLS says that over half a million people have access to a local woodland and that an early spring walk could be the start of a lasting habit.
Stuart Chalmers Stuart Chalmers, FLS’ National Visitor Services manager, said:
“Spending time outdoors can have a very positive impact on mood, stress levels and overall mental and physical health.
“Woodlands, which are green oases of peaceful calmness in a busy world, are perfect places to experience that benefit.
“We already have over 10 million visits every year but we would encourage more people to come along and discover how beneficial a woodland walk – or wheel or cycle – can be.
“Taking exercise surrounded by emerging greenery and fresh air brightens the mood and eases the stress, anxiety and the pressures of daily life.
“So why not treat yourself and mark National Walking Day with a woodland wander?”
