ISABEL COCKAYNE Villagers could develop new sports and landowners free up more private land for public use by using a new website.

ISABEL COCKAYNE

Villagers could develop new sports and landowners free up more private land for public use by using a new website.

Developed in the East of England over 18 months, the Naturally Active site gives advice on how sport and recreation can be developed in rural communities, giving people something to do in remote areas, make use of green spaces and get fitter, including where to find new and unusual sports.

It also gives landowners access to information on how to best to use under used woodlands to make extra cash.

Spearheaded by the Forestry Commission, the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), the East of England Tourist Board and Sport England East, its aim is to encourage people to make more of the natural environment.

Steve Scott, regional director for the Forestry Commission, said there was 50,000 hectares of woodland in the East of England, which are underused and this could encourage people to make use of that space.

“About a third of the total woodland resources are under managed. There is all of that woodland near where people live but there is an apprehension among landowners about letting the public in. This gives information about letting the public in, but in a controlled manner,” said Mr Scott.

“They can make money, the public can get fitter and healthier and the wildlife benefits.

“We are a nation of tubbies. We need to get people during more activity.”

He said there were “untapped opportunities” in our region to develop recreation, particularly in woodland. “I hope that this website will encourage landowners and woodland managers to find out how they can diversify their available resources, to provide a financial return in a sustainable manner alongside other woodland priorities such as timber production and biodiversity."

At Thetford Forest yesterday, the first to log on to the new site was paralympic gold medal winner Danny Crates.

The 32-year-old said: “As a user, it is an excellent concept. Anything that gives people the chance to get fit is great. You don't have to go down to the gym to do it either. We have so many public spaces in Britain we could use.”

Mr Crates, from Essex, said he already makes use of the countryside, training off roads because it is more peaceful and healthier.

Schoolchildren from Bosmere County Primary School in Needham Market, near Stowmarket, tried their hand at cycling, llama trekking and new sport Frisbee golf.

Log on to www.naturallyactive.org.