Jo Bird

As a volunteer I work to ensure that people can get out and walk. The most rewarding part of my role is introducing young families and disabled people to the pleasure of walking.

Countryside Secretary | Barnard Castle Ramblers

I am the Countryside Officer for the Barnard Castle Ramblers. Checking weekly planning lists for proposals that might be detrimental to the environment, I've opposed tall wind turbines, saved some remote rural public phone boxes (where mobile signals often fail), and organised litter clearances. I liaise with other local organisations that safeguard the environment, including tourism bodies and a Heritage Lottery Fund project.

I also volunteer with the Ramblers Get Walking Keep Walking project in Durham, set up with Durham County Council. I find it particularly rewarding introducing young families and people with disabilities to the pleasures of walking, a fitter lifestyle and discovering their locality.

Jo Bird
Countryside Officer, Barnard Castle Ramblers, and Get Walking Keep Walking volunteer

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