The public is being invited to take a walk in the woods. Photo: Graham Horn CC-BY-SA-2.0

The public is being invited to take a walk in the woods. Photo: Graham Horn CC-BY-SA-2.0

The coalition Government wanted to sell off huge swathes of forestry in England, and now one of the organisations instrumental in pushing for a u-turn on the sell-off is urging the public to take a walk in the woods.

The Ramblers said their October festival will offer led walks across the country so the public can experience the joys of the woodland countryside.

A spokesperson said: “We all came close to losing access to England’s forests when Government proposed to sell off public woodland last year.

“But thanks to passionate campaigning by the Ramblers, which included local campaigns and woodland rallies with hundreds of people walking in their local woods in support of public access for Walk in the Woods Week last year, and sending saplings of support to the forestry panel – our public forests are saved for future generations to enjoy.

“The Independent Forestry Panel has produced its final report to Government, saying the public forest estate should remain and that access to all woodland should be the norm.

“But there are still large areas of woodland that are not open to the public and the baton has now been firmly handed to Government to turn these aspirations into reality.”

The Walk in the Woods Week will run from 27 October to 4 November this year, with free led walks taking place across Great Britain, which the campaigning charity said is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the colours and wildlife of local woodland in the crisp autumnal air – and keep the whole family active during half term.

Simon Barnett, director of walking programmes and promotions at the Ramblers said: “A walk in the woods is one of life’s simple pleasures and autumn is one of the best seasons to enjoy the shaded paths of your favourite local wood.

“Help instil a love for local woodlands in younger generations and enjoy the benefits of walking with friends and family.

“Whether you choose one of the many woodland walks being put on by Ramblers groups, or take your friends or family out on a woodland stroll in your local area, it’ll be the perfect time to enjoy the calm, refreshing effects of our forests.”

The organisation said its walks are chosen and led by experienced Ramblers volunteers, to showcase British woodlands at their autumn best. Many walks will be short and family-friendly, they said, though there will also be plenty of longer rambles for the seasoned hiker.

Details of the walks can be found on the Ramblers’ website.

Some articles the site thinks might be related:

  1. Outdoors ‘Red Tape’ exercise: is Cameron facing another climbdown?
  2. Cameron admits he’s not happy with forest plans
  3. Farmers’ signs will warn walkers of cattle danger
  4. Campaign groups mark 70th anniversary of access law with pledge on national parks
  5. Ramblers staff face the boot as cash crisis hits charity