A PILOT project to encourage the use of 'green prescriptions' is being pioneered in the Dartmoor National Park.

People will be encouraged to get out and about in the park instead of being prescribed medication, as part of the 'green prescription' scheme.

The project has been set up on Dartmoor National Park with the idea to show the psychological and physiological benefits of getting out on Dartmoor — which could then result in some people not needing medication.

The activities would be open to all and would look to help address physical and mental health.

Bekki Redshaw, Naturally Healthy project officer for the Dartmoor National Park Authority, said the three year scheme will aim to get people visiting and spending time on Dartmoor.

Bekki said: 'We are engaging with local communities and asking how they would like to engage with the national park, whether that is walking, climbing tors or taking gentle walks.

'The target groups are the low physical and mental health groups as they become isolated and what we can offer people is to get them out and about, reduce stress and to sleep better.

'People's perception is that you have to be super fit to enjoy the national park but we want it to engage all people from youth projects, local schools and carers' groups.'

By working with health groups, GPs, local community groups, carers' groups and youth groups, the pilot project will look at proactive ways for people to get healthy as an alternative to medication.

Bekki added: 'Dartmoor National Park has a lot to offer and is beautiful. We want to find out what you like to do — let's work together to find a way to engage everyone.'

The project is jointly funded with the DNPA and Exmoor National Park Authority and Public Health Devon.

l The Tavistock Ramblers understand that being out on Dartmoor or elsewhere in Devon or Cornwall is good for the body and soul and are inviting people to join them during their annual Festival of Winter Walks.

Tavistock Ramblers will be offering free walks on Dartmoor and in the Tamar Valley.

Tavistock Ramblers have seven walks on offer, including one today (New Year's Day) around Buckland Monachorum.

Before Christmas there were walks on either side of the Tamar whilst early in the New Year there is the opportunity to walk around the Tamar Trails or high on Dartmoor around Venford reservoir and Holne Moor.

For more details visit http://www.tavistockramblers.org.uk">www.tavistockramblers.org.uk or browse all the festive walks on offer by other Ramblers groups at http://www.ramblers.org.uk/winterwalks">www.ramblers.org.uk/winterwalks