VISITORS to a North-East woodland are guaranteed to see a badger, dragonfly, fox and woodpecker.

Walkers can view them all along a one-mile circular trail that winds through a section of the 1,000-acre Guisborough Forest, in east Cleveland.

The creatures are sculptures, made from sycamore, beech and fir.

They are the work of chainsaw sculptor Steve Iredale, of Staithes, North Yorkshire, who was signed up for the project by the Forestry Commission and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

Ranger Cath Brason said: "The sculpture trail is a brilliant new attraction in its own right, and will be a sure-fire hit with youngsters. But it's also a great reason for people to go for a walk and do themselves a power of good."

The health push is being spearheaded by the Forestry Commission and backed by the British Heart Foundation, prompted by obesity levels, which have tripled in the past 20 years, and the fact that many people do not exercise enough.

Ms Brason said: "Besides the physical benefits of keeping active, research shows that visiting woodlands helps combat stress and produces a sense of well-being. And there's nowhere better to get mind and body in harmony than Guisborough Forest."

Taking a look at the sculptures, Dr Charmaine Griffiths, of the British Heart Foundation, said: "By doing regular physical activity you can protect your health in many ways, including significantly reducing your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes."

For details of Active Woods events, visit www.forestry.gov. uk/active, or call Guisborough Forest on (01287) 631132.