Get fit for nature in Wirral’s great outdoors

Nov 18 2009 by Jade Wright, Birkenhead News

WIRRAL conservationists are being offered a workout with a difference this week– wearing wellies in a gym that’s in the great outdoors.

From today, a team of volunteers will be working on heathland restoration on the Dales – which combines exercise with conserving sites of special scientific interest.

It’s a great way of improving your strength, stamina and practical skills, while benefiting Wirral’s precious green spaces.

Paul Greenslade, senior ranger with the mid-Wirral Ranger team explains: “We’ll be working with volunteers to maintain the beautiful heath, removing young trees and scrub and taking them away from the site.

“The low-land heath itself is a very delicate environment and we have to work to maintain it as a habitat for rare plants.

“It’s great excercise – perfect for people who don’t like a traditional gym, but want to get active and improve their health, fitness and general wellbeing, while also meeting new people.

“We get volunteers from all walks of life, and there’s a great sense of cameraderie.”

So instead of pounding running machines and pumping iron, participants will be clearing undergrowth, lopping trees and enjoying the great outdoors.