Issue 13, November 2006
In this issue
Hello,
Well the clocks have gone back and winter is truly on its way. Cosy nights in start now! But you can still take action from the comfort of your own home - this month you can read a new paper on planning for climate change or support our coastal access campaign by firing off a quick email
And for those of you venturing out for crisp autumnal walks, switch your computer on when you get home as it's now easier than ever to report footpath problems with our our new Footpath Guardian project online. Log on and join in!
Protect Footpaths at the Click of a Mouse
We launched our Footpath Guardian project last year and since then, hundreds of you have joined in to become Guardians of your local rights of way network.
The scheme was designed to be an easy way for anyone who enjoys walking to get involved in reporting footpath problems. Well, it's even easier now as we've created a new online version where you can report path problems in seconds!
It only takes a couple of minutes to register and receive your unique Footpath Guardian code. So if you want to do your bit to make sure your local paths are maintained, open and walkable, visit:
www.ramblers.org.uk/footpaths/guardian
Read all About it! Planning for Climate Change
The UK’s planning system has protected our countryside for over 70 years. Climate change poses maybe the biggest threat it has ever faced. The Ramblers’ Association has endorsed a new paper by Friends of the Earth and the Town & Country Planning Association, which shows how the government could build tackling climate change into every planning decision made by local authorities – from granting permission to install solar panels on a roof, to refusing building schemes not accessible by public transport.
We will be working closely with other organisations to ensure the government listens to our ideas when it prepares its own policy later this year. To read the paper go to:
www.ramblers.org.uk/countryside/planning/policystatement.html
Coastal Access - Let's Keep the Pressure Up!
You may be aware that the Ramblers’ Association is campaigning for a legal right of access to the English coast. Check out this link for more information:
www.ramblers.org.uk/coast
We need your support to help us achieve this aim. Please use the power of the pen (or keyboard!) and:
Write to the Rt. Hon David Miliband MP, Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square SW1P 3JR or email ccu.correspondence@defra.gsi.gov.uk, expressing your support for a right of access to coastal land and saying why you want it.
Write to your MP, expressing your support for a right of access to coastal land and saying why you want it. Ask your MP to write to Barry Gardiner MP, Minister for Biodiversity, Landscape and Rural Affairs, calling for legislation.
MPs may be reached at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.
If you wish to e-mail your MP, you can check whether they have an address at: www.parliament.uk/directories/hciolists/alms.cfm.
If you do not know who your MP is, search on the UK Parliament website www.upmystreet.com/commons or phone 020 7219 3000.
Please urge as many other people as you can to do the same – talk to your fellow walkers when out on walks, and ask them to write too, and to pass the message onto others. For more information or advice, please contact the Freedom to Roam team at the Ramblers office on 0207 339 8500 or email freedom@ramblers.org.uk
Step Out For an Autumn Walk
 | With bright, sunny days and cold frosty nights, what better way to blow away the cobwebs than taking a fresh autumn walk? You could even combine it with a fungi foray and discover the fascinating world of toadstools or go fruit and berry picking, gathering crab apples, raspberries, chestnuts or sloes along the way. So put on your wellies, feel the crunch of leaves underfoot and get in shape for Christmas. Check out our Walks Finder for a list of fun and interesting walks in your local area. |
Looking for the Perfect Christmas Gift?
Well look no further as Ramblers membership is every walker’s dream present. All the usual goodies are included – walk BRITAIN guide, membership card entitling you to discretionary discounts at outdoors stores (including 10% off at Millets and Blacks), free walks organised by local Ramblers groups and the latest issue of Ramblers magazine walk. And it’s all from just £24 a year.
Gift membership from the Ramblers makes the perfect Christmas present for friends or loved ones – and one which will be enjoyed throughout the year.
Call 020 7339 8595 with your order by the end of Monday 8th December to allow sufficient time for postage before Christmas.
20% Off Walking Kit & Gifts at Millets
Being a member of the Ramblers has many benefits; such as the knowledge that you are helping support our vital campaigns for walkers. But if you need any more of an incentive you can for a limited period (1st November - 31st December) get double the usual member discount in-store at Millets when you spend over £50 – that’s 20% off!
Millets has a huge range of kit for the great outdoors, perfect for Christmas gifts. They stock wind-up lanterns, torches, phone chargers and radios, perfect for camping. Their Eurohike 5 in 1 Hiking gift set includes an aluminium bottle, whistle with thermometer, compass and magnifying glass, LED key fob torch, multi-tool cutlery set and carry case (£11.99). And the gift bottles include essential items such as a survival blanket, emergency poncho, whistle, kinetic torch glowsticks, and a 3 in 1 camping tool to ensure you are ready for anything (£14.99). Millets also stocks brands like Victorinox, Garmin, Maglite and Leatherman.
For more information visit www.ramblers.org.uk/fundraising/shop/millets-offer.html
And if you aren't already a member - join now and take advantage of the Millets discount
www.ramblers.org.uk/join
Last Word
"An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day."
Henry David Thoreau, US writer and naturalist
If you've enjoyed these quotes, then why not buy the whole book? Visit www.ramblers.org.uk/companion to find out how to order The Walker's Companion.
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