Save money and go green this Christmas with the Woodland Trust’s guide to free winter walks

Are you dreaming of a green Christmas? If so, you’re not alone.

With the cost-of-living crisis biting, a simpler, more environmentally friendly festive celebration is top of many people’s Christmas list this year – with fresh air and free fun on the cards instead of expensive gifts, excess and waste.

With that in mind, the Woodland Trust, the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity, has come up with a guide to some of its best woods for a glorious, and completely free, winter walk for all the family to enjoy.

The Woodland Trust has more than 1,000 woods that are free to visit and open every day, so you’re spoilt for choice. Even Santa and his reindeer would struggle to get round them all!

This Christmas is a perfect time to embrace the simpler things in life, whether that’s time spent with friends and loved ones, enjoying nature’s magnificent scenery or just getting outdoors and enjoying some fresh air.

Woodland Trust site manager James Jesson said: “If you’d rather not spend the entire festive season overindulging, head out for a woodland adventure. Woodland Trust woods are real winter wonderlands. So whether it’s a crisp, frosty morning or a damp soggy afternoon, it’s great to pull on your boots and thermals or waterproofs and head out for an invigorating stroll.

‘Winter woods take on a whole new character. Spectacular, frosty landscapes and bare branches expose elusive wildlife and hidden history. The fact they are all free to visit is just the icing on the Christmas cake!”

Woodland Trust;sites are open all year round;so come prepared for nature in its natural state, unmissable views, clean air and birdsong. And by sticking to the woodland paths, you won’t disturb the winter wildlife and you’ll allow nature to thrive in its woodland surroundings.

You can locate your nearest free woodland escape easily, just enter your postcode at woodlandtrust.org.uk/findawood;;or;take a look;at the Trust’s pick of the best winter walks from Devon.

Avon Valley Woods, Devon

A hidden treasure in the rolling hills of South Hams, the Avon Valley Woods;cluster along;the valley side. Winter is a great time to spot a whole range of finches, blue tits, long tailed tits and great tits that tend to flock in large groups at this time of year.;While the riverside walk can be muddy,;the extensive path network at the top of the site offers grassy tracks and views across Devon.

www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/avon-valley-woods/

Fingle Woods, Devon

Wander through 28 miles of new trails, take in spectacular views of the gurgling river and discover Fingle’s fascinating history. Explore glades dappled with winter sun, spot wildlife and uncover intricate woodland archaeology.

www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/fingle-woods/

Creason Wood, Horndon, Devon

This wood lies on a steep slope of the banks of the River Tavy. Getting into the wood is not easy but once access has been achieved (via a ladder) it will repay a visit particularly for people with a nature conservation interest. The limited access to manage the wood means that it is regenerating itself naturally and offers a wild experience compared with walking on the nearby open moor.

Longstone Wood, Lamerton, Devon

Longstone Wood is an oval woodland clump standing on a hill-top to the north of Tavistock. The wood is surrounded by agricultural grassland mostly grazed by cattle and sheep.

East Wray Cleave, Lustleigh, Devon

East Wray Cleave is noticeable for its clusters of conifers in a predominantly broadleaf area. This shady wood is home to some elusive wildlife, from dormice and wood ants to many species of birds which nest in the larch trees.