CROYDON COMMENTARY: The walk to your polling station for the local elections on May 5 can be used to improve accessibility to the countryside for thousands of people, says rambler MICHAEL HOWELLS
Free range: the Ramblers’ Association is seeking local election candidates to back their campaign
Walking in nature improves our health and happiness, whether on countryside paths, in town centre parks or down tree-lined streets.
Government statistics show that more people than ever have enjoyed the simple pleasures of walking since the covid-19 pandemic began.
However, getting into nature to walk isn’t currently the same for everyone, and lockdown restrictions brought that into sharp focus.
Research conducted for the Ramblers in 2020 by YouGov showed, for example, that just 46per cent of respondents on the lowest income had easy access to green space, compared with over 70per cent of those with the highest income levels.
The Ramblers is campaigning for local councils to improve our local path network, create new green routes that link people to nature, and to support programmes that encourage people to enjoy walking.
As the May 5 local council elections approach, Inside Croydon’s readers can help us by writing to their local candidates, asking them to work with the Ramblers and support the Ramblers manifesto for making access to nature more equal for everyone.
They can find out how to do this at ramblers.org.uk/localelections2022.
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This is something that can actually add value and not just for ramblers.
More green walking spaces should be on the agendas if not manifesto’s of all candidates. Although I would be unlikely to participate in a ramble rumble or even a rumba – one has to admit many peoples mental health would have taken a nosedive without a good stroll in all those lockdowns.
Perhaps unlike Boris and Co we needed to be a bit careful what we would bring and forsook dandelion tea and avoided local beauty spots (are there any?) and the local Bagnio’s and Trap’s (and unlike one Health person – no home delivery!)
But seriously green and safe walkways across the Borough is a must if Croydon is to have any spaces left for children families and more mature adults to get healthy physical activity.
PS Is it me but have the fines issued to those No. 10 parties seem a little paltry? Student party £2k each – Downing street £50?