7 September 2023
Across the country, climbing forests open their 'doors' and draw attention to a forested environment during National Climbing Forest Day
With heavy rainfall interspersed with heat records and periods of extreme drought, nature is crying out for attention. We desperately need our forests to keep the earth livable for everyone. At the same time, immersing yourself in a forest environment also has major positive health effects. 20 climbing forest sites, across the Netherlands, are making a concerted call for more attention for, and more to enjoy from, nature. During the first edition of National Climbing Forest Day on 13 September, children and adults are welcome to enjoy the country's greenest spots from great heights. Admission is at a reduced rate and with your visit, you will directly contribute to creating a more forested environment through a donation to Trees for All.
Outdoor adventure
The first edition of Nationale Klimbosdag was created by Klimbos Nederland and Fun Forest, with the aim of letting more people experience the benefits of nature in a unique, playful way and to draw attention to forest conservation. A wooded environment reduces stimuli and the extra oxygen the trees produce boosts our immune system: stress hormones decrease and happiness hormones are released. Combined with a sporting activity such as climbing and ziplining in the climbing forest, this nature boost reinforced. "From the love for nature and outdoor sports, we are proud that so many climbing forests have joined the first edition of the National Climbing Forest Day. Together, we call on children, young people and adults to come and celebrate climbing forests and nature. We need to take care of nature, a climbing forest adventure is an accessible and fun way to introduce the next generation to this as well," said Ciaran Barsema, director of Klimbos Netherlands.
Give the forest a hand: tree by tree
With 20 affiliated climbing forest locations spread throughout the Netherlands, National Climbing Day offers plenty of sportsmanship and exercise in the Netherlands' many forests. Besides a fun outing, your climbing adventure on the day will also help nature. For every ticket sold, 1 euro will be donated to Trees for All, which will be used to plant new trees in areas where they are badly needed. David Balhuizen, general manager at Fun Forest, on the partnership: "With the introduction of the National Climbing Woods Day, we hope to draw more people into nature in a playful way. Get away from the computer screen and literally climb the tree. To take good care of nature as well as ourselves, we are committed to nature conservation. Our ambition is to attract 1,500 visitors so that together we can plant at least 300 new trees. Because besides enjoying nature, we must also take good care of it!".
