Green Gym

Intu Watford and Green Gym Springs into Action

Local volunteers in Watford have been putting their green fingers to use whilst keeping fit at the same time with the ‘Green Gym’. The project, part funded by intu Waford, TCV has exciting conservation plans for 2011.

January has so far welcomed numerous volunteers who have been busy planting trees on the Knutsford Playing Fields, at a terrific rate. The hedge there is really taking shape, with volunteers planting almost 100 trees in just two and a half hours. The Timberlake reed-bed has also benefitted from some great team efforts and has transformed its look already. The enthusiastic ‘Green-Gymmers’ are felling trees encroaching on the reed bed and the deadwood hedge is coming on at a fast pace.

The Green Gym project will be continuing its work on the Knutsford Playing fields throughout January and February. By working together on improving local green spaces, volunteers become physically and mentally healthier. Recent research has shown that participation in the Green Gym increases fitness and energy levels, reduces anxiety and depression, and improves mood, self-worth and body image. It also reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, blood pressure and osteoporosis. If that wasn’t enough to encourage the local community to join in it is great to know that the nature conservation activities are constantly improving the local Watford area.
Erin Walsh, Marketing Manager at intu Watford comments “We are very proud to continue to part-fund the Green Gym alongside Watford Borough Council. This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get their fingers green, help the environment, and get healthier all at the same time.”

Alex Sylvester, Green Gym and Projects Community Officer comments “The Green Gym in Watford is turning out to be hugely popular. The volunteers are always willing to get stuck in and we have made great progress thanks to the invaluable support from Watford Borough Council and The Harlequin.”

If you are interested in the Watford Green Gym then contact Alex Sylvester the Green Gym Co-ordinator on 01923 278 220 or a.sylvester@btcv.org.uk. Likewise if you are a local group/ club/ school/ church that could use a hand to improve a local green space, then please get in touch. We are always looking for new projects to help with (www.btcv.org.uk/greengym)
Intu Watford is a premier shopping centre; open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Thursdays 9am – 9pm, Saturdays 9am – 7pm and 11am – 5pm on Sundays. There are over 140 stores, including many of your favourite high-street names, plus special one-off stores. At intu Watford, you will find facilities for those of differing abilities, children and parents - including toilets, baby change area, allocated parking spaces and a Shopmobility Scheme. For more information please call 01923 250 292 or visit www.intuwatford.co.uk

For further information, please contact:
Holly James  at Primal PR
T: 0207 637 4150
E:  holly.james@primalpr.com

ABOUT BTCV
Established in 1959, BTCV is a social enterprise group. We enable people to make a difference in their lives and improve the places around them.
Across the UK, BTCV supports more than 628,000 people working on more than 29,000 projects each year to improve the environment.
In 2010 we helped 20,000 people into work. Our hands-on environmental opportunities and help for people developing skills for both life and work is as critical as ever.

Our work includes:
• Regular environment tasks across the UK
• Climate change campaigns
• Back to work training and employment support
• UK and International environmental holidays
• BTCV Green Gym
• BTCV Community supporting community groups across the UK
• Online shop, including native trees and plants, handbooks and tools.