Feel Good in the Forest at Chopwell Wood

Chopwell Wood offers a variety of activities as part of the Feel Good in the Forest project. They are free to take part in and include optional time at the end for refreshments and socialising. People can self-refer or be referred by a support organisation or worker.

Monday activities

• 1pm: Progressive Pedalling 

Sessions to encourage and support adults to try cycling. For people new to cycling or those who haven't ridden for a long time, we are providing a progressive cycling experience to build confidence and fitness. 

• 1.15pm-2.30pm : Strong as an Oak 

A gentle walking group aimed at improving mental and physical wellbeing with functional exercises along the way

Tuesday activities

• 10.30-11.30am: Woodland Warblers

Singing makes you feel better! When we sing we release endorphins, serotonin and dopamine - the ‘happy’ chemicals that boost your mood and make you feel good about yourself. Come and join a new relaxed and fun singing group. All singers welcome, especially beginners!

• 1.15-2.00pm: Gentle Exercise

Join this session to improve your cardiovascular fitness, strength, balance and stability. Classes can be adapted to suit individual needs and activities are done at everyone’s pace.

• 1.00--3.00pm: Nature, Running and Parkinson's

Do you or someone you love have Parkinson’s disease? Want to build up your walking to running? Enjoy connecting with nature? Or looking to socialise with others diagnosed with Parkinson’s?

This adapted version of the couch to 5k running programme will be delivered over 12 weeks and led by a trained run leader with additional support from experts at Parkinson’s UK.

Anyone with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease along with carers/friends or family are welcome to join the group which will meet once a week. All abilities are welcome and we’ll slowly build up from walking to running. Every session will be followed by tea, coffee and refreshments and an opportunity to socialise.

Wednesday activities 

• 10.00am-12.00pm (fortnightly): Evergreens activity group

This woodland group takes part in a range of hands-on outdoor activities. No week is the same: one week might be gardening and the next might be creating things out of wood. All sessions can be adapted to suit individual needs.

• 1.00-2.00pm: Health walk 

Enjoy a gentle guided walk around the various paths and trails in Chopwell Wood. Two options of distances are available for each walk. 

• 2.30-3.30pm: Archery (Coming April 2025)

This fun and informal archery class has a range of games and challenges to keep it enjoyable and is suitable for all abilities.

Thursday activities

• 10.30 am- : Strolls with Poles Nordic Walking (24 April, 22 May, 26 June)

A nordic walk around the wood. Equipment provided. 

• 10am-12.00pm : Love and loss - a Grief walk ( Third Thursday of every month)

A forest walk and talk for the heartbroken and bereaved. 

• 1.00-2.30pm: Reading Ramblers (Begins 5 June)

Take a book for a walk! Join the Reading for Wellbeing team and Forestry England for a guided walk around Chopwell Wood. Listen to an audiobook while you wander or get lost in a book while forest bathing before regrouping to enjoy a cuppa and a chat.

Booking information

To book your place, or for more information, please contact Lucy Brenkley, Active Forests Coordinator by emailing lucy.brenkley@forestryengland.uk or calling 07771 885084.