Go organic and spot an elm during walking festival [18 August 2003]

The Ramblers' Association (RA) launches its annual walking festival, Welcome To Walking Week, in September. With around 300 walks open to the public free of charge, and designed to cater for all levels of ability, Welcome to Walking Week (September 20 - 28) aims to encourage people to get out there and try walking, with the emphasis on fun as much as fitness.

This year the RA is teaming up with the Natural History Museum and The Soil Association to offer some interesting alternative walks. Walkers taking part in Elm Map Walks will be helping the Natural History Museum map the location of mature Elm trees for their UK Biodiversity Programme, highlighting the changing nature of the countryside. Anyone contributing to the programme will be credited for his or her 'find' on an online map!

Thanks to The Soil Association walkers will also be able to explore organic farms during Welcome to Walking Week. There are over forty demonstration organic farms around the country, and this will be an opportunity to find out more about the business of organic farming.

In addition to this, Welcome to Walking Week coincides with European Car Free Day and most walks celebrate this by being accessible by public transport.

Welcome To Walking Week aims to promote walking as a way to improve mental and physical health. Research shows that as little as 30 minutes brisk walking five times a week can halve the chance of coronary heart disease, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reduce stress and anxiety and help weight loss. Walking is perfect for families, costs little and is fun.

Rebecca Brewin, Welcome To Walking Week organiser said: "The RA is the largest charity in the country representing walkers. We hope that Welcome to Walking Week, with around 300 free walks, Elm Map Walks and visits to organic farms, will allow many more people to enjoy the simple pleasure that walking brings." 

Annual membership of the RA costs just £20. Participants on walks can join for 20% less. For more information on Welcome to Walking Week please call 0207 339 8500.

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