People in Kent are being asked to support the Big Wild Walk this October to raise money to help protect Britain’s wild places.
Funds raised will contribute towards The Wildlife Trusts’ goal of protecting and connecting 30% of UK’s land and sea for nature by 2030.
The Wildlife Trusts are undertaking a raft of projects to reverse alarming declines in wildlife and tackle the climate crisis – from restoring peatlands, chalk grasslands and sand dunes, to bringing back beavers and protecting red squirrels.
Participants can create their own challenge, or use the number 30 as inspiration to:
- Walk 30 minutes every day during the Big Wild Walk week – 24 to 30 October.
- Walk 30 km in three days.
- Walk 30 km in one day.
Children can try the Hedgehog Challenge to walk 3km – the same distance a hedgehog can cover in a night.
There are over 80 nature reserves managed by Kent Wildlife Trust in the county, they boast beautiful walking trails and stunning view, offering ample opportunities to see rare wildlife.
The recently opened Triangle Trail at Hothfield Heathland, Ashford is an all-season accessible path created in partnership with Ashford Borough Council. It offers high quality surfaced pathways on the flattest part of the reserve and is the ideal location to tackle the Big Wild Walk.
Cromers Wood Story Trail in Sittingbourne is another fantastic backdrop for a family walk, especially for those tackling the hedgehog challenge. Using local wildlife, six stories have been written from the point of view of the local inhabitants of the woodland. It is a self-guided trail with QR codes on several posts that will take the walker to the relevant story on the Kent Wildlife Trust website. The trail is an imaginative and fun way to engage with children whilst enjoying a family walk.
At the Romney Marsh and Sevenoaks Visitor Centres ‘Big Wild Walkers’ can clock up some kilometres whilst taking part in the half-term Halloween Trail. A puzzle-based trail where those who can solve the riddle can win a prize.
People are also invited to book a guided walking safari to learn about wildlife whilst getting the step count up.
Head of Wilder Places and People, Keeley Atkinson of Kent Wildlife Trust said: “This is a great incentive for people to get outside and enjoy the fresh air whilst supporting a fantastic cause.
“The Big Wild Walk allows family and friends to come together, have fun, get a little bit fitter and be at one with nature all whilst having that incredible feeling you are achieving a goal and helping wildlife. So don’t delay, sign up today!”