Public vote Get Active in the Forest as lottery winner

9 September 2008

South Derbyshire District Council's Get Active in the Forest Scheme has won a National Lottery Award.

It scooped the title of Best Sports Project following two rounds of voting where the public were asked to vote for their favourite Lottery-funded projects.

The win was announced at this year’s National Lottery Awards, broadcast live on BBC1, and Best Sports Project Award and a £2,000 prize was presented by Ricky Hatton.

Sophie Churchill, Chief Executive of the National Forest Company, said: “We could not be more proud of the Get Active in the Forest programme at Rosliston Forestry Centre in being voted by the public as the best Lottery funded project for sport.

“I believe this public vote was recognising the enormous range of sporting activity done at Rosliston - without super expensive gyms, but with the maturing, beautiful sports setting of the woodlands, and through dedicated, passionate staff, volunteers and partners.”

Get Active in the Forest focuses on walking, cycling and outdoor activities, as well as conservation and is based at Rosliston Forestry Centre, which has been re-developed into an outdoor activity hub for the district.

The re-development was funded by The National Lottery, and included a new entrance, a meeting room and a games room, as well as additional tracks and trails for visitors to explore.

The project was established in response to a consultation with local residents and young people and has provided many local people with an opportunity to improve their health and fitness, amidst the surrounding countryside.

Lottery funding has helped buy equipment for a wide range of activities such as archery, woodland laser combat, tai chi and cycling, as well as constructing three fully accessible timber cabins enabling disabled visitors to take part in physical activities.

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