Ramblers Cymru launches new project to improve access and boost the natural environment

A new two-year Wales wide project ‘Paths to Wellbeing’ aims to work with communities to improve access to their local routes to enjoy what Wales has to offer. By providing training, practical support and environmental improvements, we hope to put walking at the heart of communities.

Many people have experienced the benefits of walking locally during this pandemic helping them to remain physically active and connect with nature, all things which have been shown to have a positive impact on physical and mental health and wellbeing.

However, many of the existing paths and signage are in disrepair and in need of maintenance with urgent work essential to maintain our access to nature. Ramblers Cymru believes that working with communities to help them take ownership of their local path networks is the way forward and the Paths to Wellbeing project will take this approach.

To deliver the £1.3m project and develop the volunteer activities Ramblers Cymru will be working in partnership with 22 local authorities, Coed Cadw (the Woodland Trust in Wales), Wildlife Trusts Wales and others with 13 new staff members based across the nation.

This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

Angela Charlton, Director at Ramblers Cymru said: “We know that local authorities need added support to improve access at such a challenging time.

“The long-term solution lies in investing in upskilling, equipping, supporting and leading local volunteers to manage and undertake practical path and habitat maintenance and improvements, community engagement with paths and green spaces will be strengthened, connecting people to the health and wellbeing benefits of nature and outdoor physical activity.”