Enhancing access for everyone
Forestry and Land Scotland is committed to making our forests and land accessible to everyone wherever possible. This commitment is taken forward by improving paths and entranceways but also by actively promoting the use of woodlands and their benefits to all. We work with a wide range of groups, across different ages, abilities and backgrounds.
On this page you can read about some of the initiatives we have supported.
Woodland Activity Programme
Our Woodland Activity Programme in the Forth Valley helps those with early stage dementia visit a woodland every week to take part in a variety of woodland crafts and activities, offering participants a chance to increase their self-confidence and feel engaged with the community. The programme started in 2014 at Callendar Wood, Falkirk, and was developed using research on the benefits of being within a woodland surrounding. The programme was recently awarded ‘Best Dementia Friendly Community Initiative’ at the 2019 Scotland’s Dementia Awards.
Pride Outside
In 2018, our predecessor, Forest Enterprise Scotland, along with Forestry Commission Scotland hosted the inaugural ‘Pride Outside’ event in Auchenshuggle Woods, Glasgow. The event brought the LGBTQI+ community together along with family, friends and the local community to learn about the health and wellbeing benefits of spending time in woodlands, and featured a range of free activities including workshops, bush craft and foraging and marshmallow toasting by a campfire.
Spinal injuries recovery walks
We have also developed bespoke guided walks for people who were under the care of a spinal injuries recovery unit in Easterhouse, Glasgow. An interactive walk and guided meditation were provided as a sensory way to connect with the natural world.
and so much more
We will continue to work on initiatives such as these so that people in our communities from all backgrounds can have the opportunity to explore and benefit from the national forests and land.