Healthy Conservation at Church Wood
ROD WEBB
We’re all aware of the New Year rush to get fit after festive overindulgence – and how it is often doomed to failure. So why not start thinking about getting fit now, as we approach the depths of winter? The Hastings branch of the Conservation Volunteers (TCV) has just set up a Green Gym at Church Wood Nature Reserve in St Leonards, where you can not only enjoy the benefits of outdoor exercise in the company of others but also get involved with taking care of the woodland; physical and mental fitness in one package.
The half-day volunteering sessions are part of TCV’s national Green Gym programme that helps people to connect with nature and boost their health whilst doing something good for the environment. The first Hastings Green Gym was launched at the Conquest Hospital earlier this year (See Issue 257 New Green Gym at Conquest Hospital).
TCV Senior Project Officer, Carrie Edmonds, says: “We all know that being more active is good for your health, but it can be difficult to keep up the motivation. Our Green Gym volunteers can see they are enhancing nature and making their green spaces better for everyone, which they find really rewarding. This is what keeps them coming back, getting regular exercise, meeting new friends and making a positive impact locally.”
She explained that activities can be made as easy as people like: “It doesn’t need to be too strenuous; a few hours in the woods is great for everyone!” You can find out more about the national Green Gyms programme at tcv.org.uk/greengym.
The first session at Church Wood was on Thursday 21 November 2024 and the volunteers started thinning areas that were becoming overgrown. This means that more sunlight will reach the woodland floor next Spring and give even more wildflowers a chance.
The Church Wood Green Gym sessions are every Thursday from 10.00am to 1.00pm, with the next ones before Christmas on 12 and 19 December. Volunteers can get a lift in the minibus from the TCV office on Fearon Road, TN34 2DL, or meet in the car park.
TCV also runs the extensive East Sussex Health Walks programme of free one-hour group walks with four every week in the Hastings area. Both projects are funded by East Sussex County Council as part of the public health programme.
We hope this will encourage you to make a start for a healthy and happy New Year!
For more information on Church Wood or Conquest Hospital Green Gyms go to tinyurl.com/tcvsussex, follow TCV Sussex on Facebook or contact Carrie Edmonds on [email protected] / 07764 655609.
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