Kevin Keegan invites you to get active

Mr Keegan’s doing it. He’s got kids doing it in Nottingham’s Old Market Square. Are you doing it?  By ‘doing it’ I mean taking time to engage in activities with friends and family. Outdoor activities that raise the heart rate and lift the spirit in some of the UK’s most beautiful and underexplored countryside, steeped in history and rich in wildlife. Nottinghamshire is packed full of places to get active. It can be as simple as playing games in one of its many green open spaces such as Clumber Park and Rufford Abbey Country Park in the county, or Arboretum Park in the city. Or maybe you’d prefer riding along one of a variety of cycle routes through rolling countryside. Or perhaps an invigorating woodland walk through Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest boasting more than 1,000 veteran oaks. Families or groups of friends looking for something more challenging in their active pursuits could visit the Adrenalin Jungle, an outdoor activity centre based in 150 acres of Sherwood Forest. Most activities can be catered to all ages and include paintball, quad biking, assault courses, 4x4 off road, karting and more.  The 700m whitewater course at Nottingham’s National Water Sport Centre is must for the adrenalin junkie too. Sherwood Pines Forest Park is a haven for those seeking more traditional pursuits such as archery and horse riding.  It’s is the largest woodland open to the public in the East Midlands with over 3300 hectares of woodland and open heath. It also offers a popular, less traditional exploit described as a ‘high-wire forest adventure’. Go Ape is an obstacle course set high up in the trees consisting of ladders, walk ways, bridges, tunnels and zip lines.  The course is open to anyone over the age of 10. Whether it’s a day trip, a weekend or a week away you’ll find plenty to keep you active in Nottinghamshire’s great outdoors. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to share your experiences.