Page 11 - The Land Trust Annual Review 2016-17

8,000

RUNNERS

TOOK PART

IN PARKRUN

Getting moving

Public Health England recommends that we take at least 150
minutes of moderate exercise per week. Our parks provide
a network of free and accessible paths and trails; places to
walk, jog and run. By developing and promoting walks and
health events we can help ‘get the nation moving’ and deliver MORE THAN
significant health benefits. Many of our sites are in the process
of developing and promoting walking and running routes to
help encourage local communities to stay healthy and active. 20,000
Mass participation events often provide the stimulus to get people PEOPLE
active. This year we have hosted Race for Life at Northumberlandia,
near Newcastle; the Santa Run at Port Sunlight River Park, TOOK PART
Wirral; and Phoenix Park near Barnsley once again held the Tour
de Dearne Cycle Race. We also introduced the free parkrun
to the Countess of Chester Country Park. Since the regular IN HEALTH
Saturday morning run was launched in July 2016, more than
8,000 runners of all ages and abilities have completed the 5km ACTIVITIES
route, including representatives from over 100 running clubs.
A number of competitive events have also taken place on ON OUR
our sites including the second race of the South Yorkshire
County Athletics Association Cross Country League at SITES IN
the end of October, with nearly 500 athletes taking part on
courses up to 10km at Kiveton Community Woodland, and 2016/17
hosted part of the Osprey Quay Triathlon, in Dorset.

Social networks
Our walking groups and volunteering work parties not only
deliver physical and mental health benefits to participants but the
regular meetings can help to combat loneliness, social isolation
and depression. Walking groups established by our rangers
and others take place on 65% of our sites, with more than 2,500
participants. Port Sunlight River Park in Wirral, Davy Down and
Langdon Lake and Meadow, both in Essex, and the Countess
of Chester Country Park, all hold regular guided Health Walks.
A group, of mainly older walkers, meets at Davy Down every
Friday lunchtime to enjoy a brisk hour’s walk. Last year they didn’t
miss a single week, clocking up 650 sessions between them.
Merle Boyles said:
“ It keeps me fit and I enjoy talking
to the other people who come
along – it’s a lovely walk.”

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