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The Healthy Walks project in Scotland aims to open up the great outdoors and beauty of the Scottish countryside to everyone. The project is aimed at people living in the heart of urban Glasgow, who would not normally have the opportunity to experience the Highlands and Islands, and provides a fantastic opportunity to break out of the city into the fresh air. A diverse range of community groups are involved from wide-ranging backgrounds, such as China, Zimbabwe, Russia, Bangladesh, as well as the local Scots. For many, the outdoors can be an alien place. Most have little idea of where to go walking and how to travel there without their own transport. This EfA project is inclusive to all and reflects the rich diversity of Glasgow's multi-cultural communities, including local residents, disadvantaged social groups, asylum seekers and refugees. It has identified a real need in the city to provide a service to ensure 'everyone' has access to the countryside. For example, many of the women involved are unable to leave the urban environment due to child-care constraints or are uneasy leaving the city alone. This project is an innovative way to engage community groups and promote feelings of well-being by opening up access to quality green space. The Healthy Walks always featured in the EfA project in Scotland and in May 2004 the walks developed further with a 'herbal discovery' walk around the shores of picturesque Loch Katrine. The group then began to work together to raise their fitness levels. The volunteers for the day were also joined by BBC Radio 4's walking show, Ramblings. The programme has progressed a step further into a 'hill-walking' club, tackling Scottish munros. The combined efforts to keep fit, as well as interest in the environment has overcome many problems, including integration and language barriers. A programme of four hill walks were organised in the Strathblane hills and around Scotland's highest village, Wanlockhead. The hills were used as an 'outdoor classroom' to raise awareness of biodiversity in Scotland. The group are especially proud of their outstanding achievement when 19 people reached the summit of Ben Lomond accompanied by two mountain leaders and Polly Murray - the first and youngest British woman to climb Mount Everest. The programme to date has been an unbridled success, introducing many socially excluded groups from a multitude of nationalities to the outdoors and Scottish hills. This project has blown away two myths; one that disadvantaged or ethnic groups are not interested in the environment, and secondly that people from such groups do not volunteer. All content copyright © 1986-2008 BTCV Ltd. Registered charity No. 261009 |
