Ramblers’ groups support people and environment
Across Britain, over 500 walking groups are part of The Ramblers, Britain’s walking charity. Established in 1935, the charity helps to protect the countryside, promotes walking, and campaigns for access to nature.
The volunteer led groups host weekly and monthly walks.
Social Benefits
Alongside physical health benefits, research suggests that being part of a walking group can also offer social benefits.
David Millington (Chairman of Chorley Ramblers) regularly leads walks for people in the group. “A number of people join us on our walks for friendship, community and health reasons,” David said.
“We are a friendly group who welcome people and make the effort to get to know them so that they continue with the group”.
Tony Hough (Membership Secretary and Walks Co-ordinator for Bolton Ramblers) shared that joining a walking group can lead to new friendships. “People obviously think of the fitness side of it, of keeping fit by walking. You don’t often think that it’s very beneficial for your mental health as well, and also for friendship”.
Judith Heale (Publicity & Information Officer for Bolton Ramblers) added that group walking can help people to communicate with each other easily. “I think there’s something they say isn’t there, something about walking side by side with somebody rather than face to face. You can almost talk more easily, a more relaxed way”.
Environmental Benefits
Another aspect of Ramblers walking groups is the environmental maintenance, waymarking, and activism work they do to ensure the countryside remains accessible.
“I think we’re [The Ramblers] the only ones that actually campaign to keep footpaths open, to keep them accessible, to make them more accessible,” Judith said.
“Locally, we have our own footpath maintenance team,” Judith added. “People will let them know when there’s a problem with the footpath, and they’ll go out, and if they can, they’ll clear it themselves”.
Chorley Ramblers also carry out environmental maintenance where needed. “Local walking groups are important as they provide a local focus for the area, using the local path network, keeping open those paths by reporting obstructions to the local council and cutting back vegetation as it grows throughout the year,” David said.
Accessible countryside is important, with research showing a positive relationship between personal experiences with nature and engaging in pro-environmental behaviours (e.g. wanting to protect the countryside).
The Future
Looking ahead, both groups are excited about their plans but share they would also love some younger members to join.
“We are a very active group but our members are aging, especially on our committee”, David said. “We attract new members on a regular basis, so we need to encourage those younger members to become new leaders and step up to help run the group”.
“We would really like younger people to come” Judith said. “Of course, the more young people we get, you know, the more it encourages other young people to come”.
For anyone who is considering joining, David and Tony have words of encouragement.
“Come with an open mind, you will be welcomed”, David said.
“Nearly 10 years later I’m still going, so just give it a try,” Tony said.
Contact
More information can be found via Facebook (Bolton Ramblers and Chorley Ramblers) and at
https://www.boltonramblers.org.uk/
and
https://www.chorleyramblers.co.uk/