The Sport and Recreation Alliance has today launched a new guide to help increase the opportunities for sport and recreation in forests and woodland.
The guide, Promoting Sport and Recreation in Forests, has been produced as part of the Alliance's strategic partnership with the Forestry Commission.
It is intended to be an easy-to-read introduction to many of the sport and recreation activities that take place, or could take place, within the Public Forest Estate (PFE).
The guide will assist those staff within Forestry Commission England who have responsibility for managing and promoting sport and recreation opportunities in the PFE.
We will also use this document:
"The Forestry Commission is the largest provider of outdoor sport and recreation opportunities in England. Working with the Sport and Recreation Alliance and its members helps us to improve the opportunities for people to get outdoors and active in England’s forests – benefiting people’s health and wellbeing and helping to develop a sporting habit for life.
"This guide to promoting sport and recreation in England’s forests will help our managers to understand the needs of different activities and ensure that they have the contacts in relevant associations and national governing bodies to make sure activities suit a wide range of forest visitors – both repeat and new."
Sallie Barker, Interim Chief Executive Sport and Recreation Alliance:
"Forests and woodland are valuable facilities for a great variety of sport and recreation activities and we hope that by working closely with the Forestry Commission on projects such as this guide we can maximise the use of this important natural resource.
"This guide will help national governing bodies, our members, work productively with Forestry Commission staff and adopt a collaborative approach to promoting sport and recreation in our forests.
"It also provides a great template for the Alliance working in partnership with organisations in the future, not just on access and the environment, but on a range of issues that affect the sector – from public health to physical activity in schools."
Download Promoting Sport and Recreation in Forests.
Find out more about our work with the Forestry Commission.
The Sport and Recreation Alliance is delighted to announce that the organisation will be hosting a special event at St James’s Palace on 12 November 2025 to mark its 90th anniversary.
Read more
Yesterday, the Sport and Recreation Alliance were delighted to be joined by MPs, Peers and colleagues from across the sector for a panel discussion featuring representation from the Lawn Tennis Association, Sport England, The Football Association and the England and Wales Cricket Board, who spoke on the importance of protecting community sport and recreation spaces within the planning system.
Read more
Exploring how a traditional South Asian sport is building community, fostering inclusion, and shaping a more diverse and representative sporting landscape across the United Kingdom.
Read more
Joining the Sport and Recreation Alliance is pretty simple, but worthwhile!
Register now
