Forestry volunteers to discover new roots to summer fitness

Forestry workers have unveiled a new way of getting fit in time for summer and invited those who want to lose weight and improve their health to take part in a "woodland workout".

Wharncliffe Wood, on the edge of Sheffield, is currently the focus of a project which aims to remove thousands of conifers planted in the last century and restore native broadleaf trees.

As part of the effort, acres of so-called pioneer species like birch have to be removed.

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The Forestry Commission, which currently owns the 3,000-acre wood, is responsible for the work.

Hannah Darcel, the commission's health and wellbeing ranger, said yesterday she had realised that the public might like to get involved in helping the project, which led to the workout idea.

She said: "There are loads of tasks that need doing in the woods, from removing trees to let oak saplings thrive to creating a hedge and planting other deciduous trees.

"People can work at their own pace, and there's a real sense of satisfaction in doing something positive for the environment."

Volunteers will be taught how to use a range of tools as part of the workouts, which begin on February 9.

For more details on the initiative contact Miss Darcel on 07789 942599.