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Project
origins
In 1992 a report suggesting that two thirds of UK adults
would benefit from increased physical activity was published. The
concept of Green Gyms, where participants improve their health and
well-being by carrying out conservation work in their local surroundings,
was first developed in response to this report. A pilot project
run in 1997 by BTCV and Sonning Common Health Centre, and supported
by the Countryside Agency and Shell UK, demonstrated that measurable
health benefits, both physical and mental, result from Green Gyms.
The St Ives Green Gym was set up in
2001 by BTCV and The Stennack Surgery, St Ives, to bring these benefits
to local communities in the area.
Action
for biodiversity
Through the St Ives Green Gym, local communities carry out valuable
conservation work in a number of areas around St Ives, benefiting
biodiversity in many ways.
One of the main projects is reversion of a reclaimed mining area
at Steeple Woods to heathland through clearance of invasive gorse
and rhododendron. This will benefit many species associated with
this UK BAP priority habitat. Work is also done on many Cornwall
Wildlife Trust nature reserves, managing invasive species such as
sea buckthorn and maintaining access. In addition groups work on
the Gwithian Green Local Nature Reserve, for example doing butterfly
surveys and clearing footpaths.
Further to this, groups have been working with the National Trust
helping to protect archaeological remains and maintain the coast
path in area such as Trencrom, an Iron Age Hill Settlement.
Relationships
to sustainable development
The benefits of Green Gyms are two-fold. They get people fit and
active and also heighten awareness of some of the issues surrounding
conservation and sustainable development. By improving the physical
and mental health of local communities, Green Gyms remove some of
the pressure placed on health care services. Participants gain a
sense of pride through improving their immediate surroundings and
gradually learn to be self-sufficient in running Green Gym groups
themselves. The feeling of local ownership developed by poeple is
essential if their local surrounding are to be protected in the
long-term.
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