The Tree Council: Press Release

Center Parcs Walk in the Woods

Move your Heart! Refresh your mind and body with a Walk in the Woods this May. Center Parcs Walk in the Woods promotes visits to woods in May, when they are at their most beautiful.

Kevin Hand, Director (Campaigns) for the Tree Council, said 'Recent research* confirms the long-held belief that woods are relaxing places, and that simply being in them reduces stress levels, lowers blood pressure and relaxes muscles. A brisk woodland walk also helps to strengthen the heart, reduce obesity and combat depression and anxiety. After all the recent interest in tree hugging, simply walking in woods can do wonders for your health.'

The campaign, organised by national tree charity the Tree Council, features hundreds of walks and events in woods and parks throughout Britain. Events are organised by Tree Council members like the Countryside Agency, the Forestry Commission, the National Trust, the Woodland Trust and many other organisations. For more information and events lists, visit www.treecouncil.org.uk, or call the Tree Council Hotline on 020 7828 9928

Martin Dalby, Managing Director of Center Parcs UK said ' We are delighted to be involved in a campaign that promotes appreciation of woodlands, something that is such an integral part of our guests enjoyment at Center Parcs'. A prize of a short break at a Center Parcs UK Village is on offer for events organisers; every site registering events with the Tree Council by 5 April 2002 will be entered into a free prize draw.

Attractive posters are available free to the public to promote the campaign; the beautiful Heather Angel photograph, of her son celebrating spring in the woods, can be provided to illustrate articles. Other striking Walk in the Woods images can be downloaded from www.treecouncil.org.uk/press/images.htm.

Contact Kevin Hand, Campaigns Director for the Tree Council, on 07711886485 or 020 7828 9928, kevin.hand@treecouncil.org.uk For enquiries regarding Center Parcs, contact Erica Spurrier/Simon Kay, Center Parcs Press Office, 01623 872363