FOREST Enterprise Scotland is encouraging everyone to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a difference this year and take a loved one to their local woodland for the perfect outdoor date.

Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14, is a day to show how much your crush, partner or spouse means to you in your own unique way. Whether it is by a card, gift, surprise date or if you don’t celebrate it at all, it is a day of showing love.

Julie McAlpine, Forest Enterprise Scotland’s community engagement and employment skills manager, said: “It is a time of year where we show appreciation to the ones we care for, and what better way to celebrate than exploring the great outdoors. Enjoying Valentine’s Day in your local woodland not only saves money but can be a unique and personal way to show your affection.”

Julie suggests six alternative ways to spend Valentine’s Day this year:

Star Gazing - Looking up to the sky through the trees on a clear night adds an air of romance when accompanied by a loved one. As Scotland is still in the throes of winter it is possible stars will be visible in the early evening.

Picnic – Eating out can be expensive and picking the perfect restaurant is difficult. Creating a personal picnic for a beautiful scenic spot gains brownie points for effort.

Walking – Whether it is breath-taking views, hiking up hills or wandering along a river or waterfall there’s something for the perfect walking date. Head to the Forestry Commission Scotland website to find the right path for you.

Decorate – Create an environment friendly decoration to take into the woodlands that you can hang on your tree of choice. An artistic and symbolic way of showing you care.

Bike Ride – Whether you are thrill seekers or looking for a fast way to explore your surroundings there are plenty of woodland areas to have the best cycling date. Plus, if you have a basket then you can combine this date with a picnic.

Dog Walk – Take man’s best friend on a stroll with your crush, nothing quite breaks the first date ice like an excited dog having the time of its life exploring in the fresh air.

Julie added: “There is something for everyone when it comes to activities in the woodlands, as long as you wrap up warm and come prepared with the right equipment and food you are on to a great day out.”

To find out where your closest woodland is, visit: scotland.forestry.gov.uk