Forestry England launches new running campaign to help more people with Parkinson’s get active for Spring
FORESTRY England has launched a new physical activity and wellbeing pilot to help more people with Parkinson’s get active for the Spring in a fun and engaging way.
When: Weekly, starting Friday 2nd May 2025, 10am-12pm
Where: Hamsterley Forest, DL13 3NL (meet by visitor centre)
Whether participants choose to run, jog or walk, the new weekly sessions are designed to help more people enjoy being active by bringing them closer to nature. Supported by Parkinson’s UK and overseen by trained instructors from England Athletics, the new session is an adapted version of the popular NHS couch to 5k programme.
Running, jogging, or walking can be a great way to get active with a long term health condition, including Parkinson’s, and as the weather improves, being outdoors can also help you to build a connection with nature and improve both your physical and mental wellbeing.
All ages and abilities are welcome to take part in the sessions and no previous experience is required. Relatives, carers and family members can also join in, and participants are welcome to run, jog or walk, with the emphasis on taking things at your own pace.
Participants are recommended to wear comfortable footwear, sensible outdoor clothing and to bring a bottle of water for the journey.
Cara Connolly, Area Development Manager at Parkinson’s UK, said: “Being active can be one of the best ways for people with Parkinson’s to manage their condition and being out in nature can have many benefits, not only for your physical health, but also for your mental wellbeing.
“It’s really exciting to see the new partnership with Forestry England and I am looking forward to working with more members of the local Parkinson’s community to help them get active in a fun and social way.”
Lucy Brenkley, Active Forests Coordinator at Forestry England, said: “We are delighted to be working with the teams from Parkinson’s UK and England Athletics to deliver the new 5k sessions for local people living with Parkinson’s.
“We know that being outdoors and seeing nature can have a big impact on a person’s wellbeing and we want more people to be able to enjoy their local surroundings and move together in a fun and social environment.
“Forestry England is here for all our visitors and we want the new sessions to deliver a mix of physical activity, wellbeing and education for people living with Parkinson’s, so whether you walk, jog or run on a regular basis, or you’re just starting to get active with the condition then we’re here for you.”
Spaces for the new 5k sessions are limited, so it is essential to book your place. For more information about the new project, contact Fran on
