GREENSPACE AND WOODLAND INITIATIVES MUST BENEFIT ALL

12.00.00am GMT Wed 12th Dec 2007

Speaking ahead of this afternoon’s Scottish Parliament debate, Jim Hume MSP for the South of Scotland, has today spoken out on the health and community benefits of having access to quality greenspace and woodland areas.

Jim Hume said:-

“Everyone knows the link between good physical and mental health, and access to greenspace or woodland areas. Work has been undertaken in recent years by many forest trusts and community groups all over Scotland to make space available for recreational use.

“The Dunbar Community Woodland Company in East Lothian is one example of a community woodland initiative where members of the public can use Lochend Woods for recreational purposes. It’s a huge success and costs nothing.

The MSP continued:-

“More needs to be done to make the most of greenspace and local authorities are in a good position to create core network paths in their areas. There’s also a great opportunity for using derelict land – this could be taken forward as part of community regeneration initiatives.

“Outdoor activity is good for mind, body and soul – Lochend Woods and similar projects are living proof of that.”