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

• 1.00-3.00pm: Progressive Pedalling (Coming September)

Keen to get cycling but not sure where to start? These sessions are designed to encourage and support adults to try cycling – for those new to cycling and those who haven't ridden for a while. Come along to build confidence on two wheels and improve your fitness too.

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!

• 11.15am-12pm: Step into the Forest (Coming May)

A gentle introduction to walking in the wood. Join us for our 10-week progressive programme building up the distance over the weeks. Aimed at those just starting out or returning to exercise.

• 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.

• 6pm: Health Steps (begins 23 April)

If you have been advised to increase your activity or to make changes to your lifestyle and you don’t know where to start, this could be the programme for you. The goal is to help you to become more active, to learn about your health and how you can adopt a healthier lifestyle, and access the support in your local community.

You’ll be taking part in walks, strengthening exercises and mindful moments in the forest, followed by refreshments and a short educational session about a different health and wellbeing topic each week, with a chance to relax and socialise with the other group members.

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 May)

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

• 1.00-2.30pm: Reading Ramblers (Begins 6 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.