Ramblers Cymru has secured £1.2m funding to give communities across Wales the tools and training to undertake practical path and habitat maintenance and improve environmental quality!

The Paths to Wellbeing project will be a key driver for Ramblers Cymru’s vision to put walking at the heart of communities, with 13 new staff members across Wales working with partners (22 local authorities, Woodland Trust and Wildlife Trusts Wales) to create a national framework for this volunteer driven activity.

They are looking to give communities across Wales the tools and training needed to identify and design new routes and enhance and upgrade existing ones, all with the support of a Paths to Wellbeing regional project officer. 

Ramblers Cymru believes that by 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. Ultimately this will connect people to the health and wellbeing benefits of nature and outdoor physical activity.

You could play a vital role!

Ramblers Cymru will work together with selected communities across Wales to help promote access to green spaces for members to enjoy. You can be a core part of this flagship project, gaining a vast range of new skills with expert support and guidance from Ramblers Cymru and partners!

As well as enhancing the walking environment, the project will also help nature along the way, with activities such as tree planting, wildflower sowing and wildlife activity days. Not only will you make your community greener for nature to thrive, but it will be a great opportunity to bring the community together with activities for everyone to get involved in! Ramblers Cymru want to see people of all ages and backgrounds getting involved!

18 communities across Wales will be selected for development, including free training for volunteers, so if you would like to see access and nature improvements where you live, please email pathstowellbeing@ramblers.org.uk and provide the following information:  

• The name of your community;
• A contact address;
• Name of the lead contact for the group and telephone number;
• Approximate number of volunteers likely to get involved;
• A brief description of why this would benefit your community.

The deadline for submissions is the 15 August 2021.

If you would like to more information about the project, please contact Ramblers Cymru.

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.

Information Source: Ramblers Cymru