Outdoor West Lothian gym is green for go

Dec 3 2009 by Debbie Hall, West Lothian Courier

A NEW initiative aimed at boosting the health and wellbeing of local communities and the environment has kicked off.

The Green Gym initiative, the first of its kind in West Lothian, was launched at Howden Park in Livingston.

Projects at Blaeberryhill Park in Whitburn and Howden Park aim to improve physical fitness by getting people involved in practical conservation activities such as woodland management, horticulture, tree planting and improving footpaths.

Volunteers can improve their fitness levels in a free, fun way, while learning new skills and meeting people. CHCP staff are working with a British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) co-ordinator on the initiative, which also has clear benefits to quality of life and can include people of all ages and abilities.

Theresa Douglas, chair of the West Lothian CHCP said: “We are delighted to announce this project, which marks our commitment to the use of community garden projects as an important part of our health improvement services.”

Peter Johnston, leader of West Lothian Council, agreed. He said: “The Green Gym is a wonderful idea with a number of worthwhile benefits.

“It has the potential to improve the health and wellbeing of people from all walks of life in West Lothian, so I’d encourage everyone to consider getting involved.”

Jen Johnston, of West Lothian on the Move, said: “We want to show people how they can fit physical activity into their everyday lives.

“It can be something simple or fun like walking or gardening.”

The projects will be led by the West Lothian on the Move project, a CHCP initiative, in partnership with the Whitburn Older People’s Group, BTCV, Ageing Well, Howden Community Council and Oatridge College.