It’s a well-known fact that exercise is good for both our mental and physical health. It’s also a fact – although not quite as well known – that spending time outdoors and connecting with nature is really good for our health too. Combine the two together and you’re onto a winner. Mental health organisation ANDYSMANCLUB is one group encouraging its supporters to run in the great outdoors. Find out more about their connection with us at Forestry England.
Working together for positive change
Founded in 2016, ANDYSMANCLUB operate across the country, providing safe, confidential and judgement-free spaces for men to gather and talk through the ups and downs in their lives. Forestry England and ANDYSMANCLUB first started talking back in 2022, exploring how we could work together to help people become more active and promote positive mental health.
Since then, they have arranged several events at Forestry England sites, including walks and talks and running events. These have seen more than 1,000 people come to the forest to take in the beautiful scenery and make connections with each other and the landscape.
Connection through running
At a running event in Delamere Forest in July 2024, ANDYSMANCLUB introduced their first ever half-marathon race and their first 2km race just for children.
Watching children run with their dads and other family members and caregivers made the event really special for the group, bringing home the fact whilst they may be a male-suicide prevention charity, they welcome and support everyone.
Running is for everyone
Running as part of an organised event is not the only way to run in the forest. At Forestry England, we have a network of running trails from 1km to 10km in length, suitable for any skill level. And if running’s not for you, our walking trails are a hugely popular way to explore the forest too.
