In celebration of the news that woodland cover in the UK has doubled over the last century, we asked Positive News readers what forests mean to you. Your responses were inspiring and moving, from how time in the forest was a reprieve for a terminal cancer patient, to the joyful exuberance of moonlit running in the woods. We don’t have the space to share every one but hope you’ll enjoy the selection below.
We’ve created this feature in partnership with Forestry England, caretaker of more than 1,500 of England’s woodlands, who look after more land and trees than any other organisation in England. With programmes that focus on health and wellbeing – such as Feel Good in the Forest and wellbeing trails – along with activities such as walking, running, cycling and horse-riding, it’s all about encouraging people to get outside and enjoy the natural world.
May the forest be with you: your significant moments among the trees
Connecting with life
“I consider myself very lucky to live near the New Forest National Park. I get to run and walk in the forest almost every day. I get to see how the forest changes over the seasons: the soaking wet of the winter to the usually dry summers, the changes of colour in the autumn and the bluebells in the spring. I can always easily find peace and quiet. I can always find areas where I can be alone. I love looking up at the big pine trees, especially when the sky is blue, and I love the smell of running through them on a hot day. The sky can be very dark particularly in the winter and I’ve run with only stars and the moon lighting the way. It’s an amazing experience to see your shadow at night because of the light from the moon and stars.” – Daniel, Hampshire, England
