Natural England

Natural England’s ‘Walking the Way to Health Initiative’ (WHI) is today celebrating its success in the North West – having trained more than 3,300 volunteer walk leaders across 53 schemes.

People are able to step out on walks across the region, thanks to the dedication of WHI volunteers who are helping people recovering from illness or injury, who want to lose weight or those who just want to stay fit the natural way by getting out and about in the natural environment.

Liz Newton, Regional Director of Natural England in the North West said: "I am delighted that Natural England is continuing to support the training of volunteer walk leaders. Since 2000 we have helped to train over 3,300 volunteer walk leaders and created 53 local health walk schemes across the North West region.

“Volunteer walk leaders play a crucial role in offering walkers of all ages and abilities the opportunity to get more active within their local community and benefit from social networks at the same time. Thanks to their energy and dedication local walking schemes are going from strength to strength".

One good example is the Move It! scheme in Bolton, where volunteers organise walks for scores of people through Moses Gate Country Park in Farnworth. Ros Wharton, from Kearsley, said: “When our walk leader asked us whether any of us would like to become a walk leader – I thought ‘why not’ and I have never regretted taking this decision.

“The camaraderie, the fun, the support and the health benefits give you a buzz and I would say to anyone thinking about it – do it now. We make sure everyone receives a warm welcome and any support needed.”

Dorothy Gleaves, a volunteer walk leader at Moss Bank and Moses Gate Country Park in Bolton, added: “I firmly believe that there are definite benefits to be gained by walking and taking regular exercise, these are – improved stamina, a feeling of well being, feeling uplifted and a feeling of peace.

“It also gives me a sense of achievement to hear the walkers commenting on how much they enjoy the walks, how they like walking and exploring places they have previously not visited (all risk assessed, of course). It is nice to know that I provide a service to those who prefer to walk in a group rather than on their own and who value your input as a leader.”

Nationwide, Natural England’s ‘Walking the Way to Health Initiative’ (WHI) has trained an impressive 30,000 volunteer walk leaders across 450 walking schemes.

Dr William Bird, founder of WHI and health advisor to Natural England, said: “Inactivity is one of the biggest health challenges facing this country. Volunteer walk leaders have encouraged over a million people to take their first steps back to fitness through WHI. The natural environment has been show to be the best motivator to keep people walking and the Walking the Way to Health Initiative, whilst reconnecting people with the natural environment, has a strong community focus - providing support and confidence.”

“The Walking the Way to Health Initiative is a success because it is fun, free and provides a long term solution for people who want to make a difference to their health. The initiative is simple and puts people on the right track for better health – but it could not be done without the enthusiasm and dedication of the volunteers.”

Volunteer Walk Leader training is a one day course on why walking is good for your health, how to manage a walking group, dealing with hazards and risks and how to motivate people to walk more. More information can be found at www.whi.org.uk

Ends:

Please contact Anne Arnold at GNN North West on 0161 952 4505 to confirm attendance or email anne.arnold@gnn.gsi.gov.uk

Notes to Editors:

WHI

WHI is the 'Walking the way to Health Initiative' and it aims to get more people walking in their own communities, especially those who take little exercise or live in areas of poor health.

WHI is an initiative of the British Heart Foundation and Natural England. It benefitted from extra funding from the Big Lottery Fund. WHI has helped to create 450 local health walk schemes across England and has sister schemes in Scotland and Wales. Since 2000, it is estimated that we've encouraged over a million people to walk more.

The majority of WHI health walk schemes have their own web page on the WHI Walk Finder, displaying details of their walks and how to get involved. More information on WHI can be found at www.whi.org.uk

Dawn Vernon Associates are the training team who have been delivering all this training since 2000.

Natural England

Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.

Issued on behalf of Natural England by GNN North West.