Health and Wellbeing

Woodland and Health Grant (HWIG)
The Health Woodland Improvement Grant (HWIG) was piloted in the West Midlands over a period of three years from 2003 to 2007, as a result of the developing links between forests and woodlands and the regional and national health agenda. The West Midland's Forestry Framework highlights the importance of increasing recognition of the link between health and access to green space, and developing opportunities to promote such a link.

 

Priory Wood and Forge Mill Lake Health WIG
Priory Wood and Forge Mill Lake are an impressive example of the improvements that can be made as a result of the Health Woodland Improvement Grant. Based in the heart of Sandwell, where social deprivation raises issues of poor health, social exclusion and lack of access to green space, Priory Wood and Forge Mill lake offer easy and desirable access to green space. This project has enabled and encouraged a vast and diverse range of local people to improve their health and wellbeing through walking programmes and social interaction initiatives. Priory Wood and Forge Mill Lake can now offer leisurely and scenic walks for all.

 

Wye Wood Project Herefordshire
Wye Wood began in Spring 2003 as an innovative partnership initiative developed by the Herefordshire Sustain Project, a project hosted by Small Woods, looking at how local woodlands could contribute to health improvement in Herefordshire. The initial project partners and concept have developed in to the programme we see today, working across the County with participants referred from the Health, Education and Probation services.

Wye Wood activities range from walking to coppicing and creating coppice craft items. In order to establish progression routes for participants, a Wye Wood Social Enterprise is being developed.