Blogs

Alison Hallas, Ramblers policy officer, looks back at the history of our involvement with National Parks, and our current work supporting a new review into the future of protected landscapes

In the late 1990s – in the days before social media, the euro and 9/11 - I joined the Ramblers staff to help campaign for the right to roam.

"Walking and nature had done so much for my mental health, I knew I needed to do more. I thought if I did a big walk, it might inspire others to recognise the positive effects of exercise and the open air."

GP surgeries in Shetland are prescribing nature-based activities for patients with conditions ranging from high blood pressure to depression. But we don’t need a doctor’s prescription to start enjoying the wellbeing benefits of nature, says Phil Pickin.

As the government publishes its first national strategy on loneliness, at the Ramblers we’re spreading the word about how walking can help people overcome social isolation and improve their emotional, mental and physical wellbeing.