Doncaster walking group awarded community grant during National Walking Month

The Conisbrough Forward rambling group is the 50th grantee to be recognised by the Active Communities Grant scheme, which will allow them to inspire people to take on more varied, longer and guided walks.

The money will be used to create new maps and signposts, as well as to pay for a walking supervisor.

Councillor Nigel Ball, said: “We were really impressed by the work they were doing.

“Their commitment and passion and the way they have been able to engage members.

“We look forward to seeing what they do next.”

The rambling group was chosen as a worthy recipient on the grant as the funds will be used to inspire more people to start walking, explore their local areas and visit Conisbrough too.Penny Lloyd-Reed, said: “We have all seen the amazing benefits of walking - especially during the recent lockdowns and we were keen to build on the work we’ve already done to encourage and involve more people to explore our local countryside, to walk more, and further.

“We live in an amazing place, with lots of great places to discover and this award will help us to do that.

“We can invest in new route leaflets and way markers and encourage more people to become walk leaders.

“We are delighted!”

Research conducted by Doncaster council in April 2021 found that walking for fun or leisure was the most common activity among Doncaster residents who had been physically active during the second national lockdown.

More than half (58 per cent) of people surveyed have been getting out for walks and 49 per cent say they plan to do more physical activity in the next three months.

The ‘Get Doncaster Moving’ campaign is supported by Sport England and the National Lottery.

It aims to increase participation in physical activity and sport in the borough and make Doncaster a healthier and more vibrant place to live.”

For more information about the Get Doncaster Moving campaign and to find your local walking group click here.

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