Green Time Walks returned for the 2026 season on Sunday 12th April 2026.
Seventeen Friends and Family Group Members of Equals IW come together to put their heart into the walk as they joined Mark to explore Parkhurst Forest in the glorious spring warm sunshine.
Parkhurst Forest at nearly 400 hectares is one of the largest forests on the Isle of Wight and one of the oldest in the country. The forest consists of both ancient woodland and open heathland with rare species. It is a haven for wildlife including red squirrels and many species of bird such as garden warbler, nightjar, woodcock, green and great spotted woodpecker and long-eared owl.
Mark encouraged all to complete the Gift to Nature I-Spy Worksheet for Parkhurst Forest which included spotting the squirrel carvings as the group winded their way through the paths and tracks. The engagement activity resulted in everyone taking an interest and in-depth exploration of the local habitat with a friendly competitiveness and determination to find all the themed items on the I-Spy Worksheet.
At the half waypoint the group stopped in the middle of the forest to listen to nature. They viewed the forest canopy and completed the Forestry England Bluebell True or False Quiz. The group sat on a bench and nearby trees and successfully participated in the quiz using the forest natural habitat as an outdoor classroom.
Mark shared interesting facts about Parkhurst Forest using a handout he had created especially for this forest walk. It was issued at the end of the walk to everyone with the Gift to Nature Red Squirrel Hide Colouring Sheet to read at home.
Mark led the group to visit the Squirrel Hide for some squirrel spotting. The hide is a special area designed to help visitors learn about the importance of the Isle of Wight to the red squirrels and other wildlife. This provided a brilliant end of walk activity with group members sat together at the hide observing the natural habitat and trying to look for and spot any red squirrels. The walk concluded with all enjoying a picnic tea in the late afternoon warm spring setting sun.
The Parkhurst Forest walk enabled all to promote and enhance their own physical fitness, positive emotional wellbeing, self-confidence, self-esteem and mental health. Those attending were able to relax with others in friendship in a warm and welcoming atmosphere and safe environment, spending time getting out of the house and meeting new people.
Everyone taking part walked 3.6 Miles, 5.79km, burnt 349.5 Kcal, and completed 8,370 Steps.
The Parkhurst Forest Walk is one of the activities of Green Time a Partnership Programme between Equals IW, MCEnhancement and Isle of Wight Council Adult and Community Learning.
We took photos
Green Time a fun, informal way using the great outdoors to enhance positive emotional wellbeing, self-confidence, self-esteem and mental health.