Teenagers from Eritrea in North Africa recently stepped up a gear and tried their hand at mountain biking in the Scottish Wildlife Trust's (SWT) Cumbernauld Glen Wildlife Reserve for the very first time.
The visit was part of a drive by Forestry Commission Scotland to encourage people from diverse backgrounds to use woodlands more often to boost their health and well-being.
Joined by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, who own and manage Cumbernauld Glen Wildlife Reserve and Glen Mile mountain bike trail, the teenagers spent two days mountain biking and learning more about the environment.
Hugh McNish, Forestry Commission Scotland’s health advisor for central Scotland said:
“The aim of the visit is to give the kids a positive experience of the outdoors and in particular the woodland environment. Many of us take this for granted but for these teenagers it is a big deal and an amazing new thrill altogether. By getting them active in this way it shows them that improving their health can be a lot of fun.
“We are also inviting group leaders from the teenagers’ community and the hope is that their input will stimulate others to keep using their local woodlands.”
Duncan Clark, Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Cumbernauld Greenspaces Reserves Manager said: “Our reserve is lucky to have the mountain bike trail as a recreational facility which helps engage young people with wildlife. Providing an opportunity to have fun in a beautiful wilderness is a great way to inspire people to get outdoors, get active, and make the most of Scotland's wild places while ensuring their continued protection.”
Meron, aged 12, was one of the teenagers who made the visit. He said: “I enjoyed the biking because it was good for you. I'd like to go again every single day. I will always have the best memories of mountain biking.”
A recent survey showed that there were around 8 million visits per year to woodlands and forests across Scotland, but only 1 per cent were from a non-white background. The Commission is working with many groups from a diverse ethnic background to highlight how getting active in a woodland environment can help reduce many health issues.
Notes to news editors
1. Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Government’s forestry directorate. Log on to www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland.
2. Media enquiries to Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland press office 0131 314 6508.
3. Scottish Wildlife Trust is a membership-based registered charity with the objective to “advance the conservation of Scotland’s biodiversity for the benefit of present and future generations.” Log on to www.swt.org.uk