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• Let’s reverse the obese trend

• Date:

  1st December 2007

• Contact:

  Sarah Egerton

• Organisation:

  The Civic Trust

A recent report by the Centre for Public Health and Manchester Metropolitan University which focuses on the North West states that if current obesity trends continue, nearly one third of children under eleven are predicted to be obese or overweight by 2010. And much of this can be alleviated by regular activity in a park or green space – this year, there are 554 Green Flag Award winning sites across the country to choose from!

Fresh air and exercise is the perfect antidote to those unhealthy lifestyles which are leading to an obese nation. So let’s reverse this depressing trend and take to the great outdoors this winter where a host of exciting events will be taking place at Green Flag Award winning parks and green spaces throughout England and Wales. But first log onto http://www.greenflagaward.org.uk - the website devoted to the nation’s best green spaces.

The Green Flag Award scheme’s What’s On guide showcases events and activities taking place in parks and green spaces across the nation. These quality sites, all freely accessible to the public, offer a wealth of activities to keep the youngsters (and adults!) entertained as the nights draw in.

Take a winter wonder walk at Samphire Hoe in Dover on 16th December, with the chance to explore winter wildlife, glean frosty facts and even make your own snowflake! Enjoy a winter treasure hunt at Knighton Park in Leicester on 20th December. Follow in Ray Mear’s footsteps at Stover Country Park and indulge in a spot of bushcraft on 28th December.  And in the new year, schoolchildren can explore the delights of Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve in Hillingdon with free activity walks on offer for children and their teachers, led by an experienced woodland ranger. You can find all these events and more for the festive season and beyond on our dedicated website at http://www.greenflagaward.org.uk

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by The Civic Trust, is the national standard for parks and green spaces. It recognises the value of green spaces to communities, particularly in urban areas, and rewards good standards of green space management and maintenance.

Caroline Williams, Green Flag Award Marketing Manager, commented: “Exercise is a huge factor in increasing health and reducing obesity levels in children, so let’s take action – let’s reverse this worrying trend. The Green Flag Award scheme has more than 600 award winning sites for people to enjoy and explore – all free of charge. Our website’s What’s On Guide means people can find up-to-the-minute information about a wide variety of events taking place at these quality green spaces throughout winter – there is something for everyone, so visit http://www.greenflagaward.org.uk and see for yourself.”