A NATIONAL park conservation group has been recognised for a pioneering project which promotes the physical and mental health of its workers.

The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority has received a Walk at Work Award from Paths for All in recognition of the organisation’s new Fit for Life pilot scheme.

The award celebrates employers who promote everyday walking in the workplace and the National Park Authority is one of the first organisations to be given the award.

The National Park Authority already encourages a walking culture in the workplace with staff often conducting walking meetings, taking part in litter picks or other outdoor events, however, last year the organisation took another step in helping employees to get out and active by introducing the new Fit for Life pilot scheme.

The optional scheme allows staff to take part in a 15 minute walk or other physical activity such as running or cycling in the National Park, within work time, every working day.

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Jaki Carnegie, director of corporate services at the park, championed the scheme and worked with staff members to help the initial idea become a reality.

She said: “I am absolutely thrilled and incredibly proud.

“Our Fit for Life pilot is an innovative and forward thinking scheme that gives staff time out of their working day to enjoy all the benefits of being in the outdoors, allowing them to come back to the office re-energised after a short burst of exercise and a break away from computer screens.

“We believe that exercising in the National Park’s natural environment is good not only for people’s physical health but for their mental wellbeing too.

"Our staff are our greatest asset and it is vital that we as an organisation continue to invest and support them.”

The nine-month pilot, which began in September last year, is designed to give staff time away from the office to help improve overall wellbeing, reduce stress and increase levels of team work.

Absences for work caused by sickness for those participating in the pilot have already reduced by 30 per cent from last year.

The pilot has been very well received with over 120 staff members signing up to take part and last year staff collectively walked 93,000 minutes.