Walking

Walking regularly is one of the simplest and effective ways to be active and support health and wellbeing - and it's free! As part of Step, Ride, Thrive, we have partnered with Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) to launch a new Level 1 Health Walk that takes place every other Thursday, starting at the Avalon Marshes Centre and involving a 45 minute route through Shapwick Heath reserve. The walk is led by SASP volunteers.

 

We hosted a special event in February on Time to Talk Day to launch the new walk - with additional nature connection and creative activities, signposting by charities and the NHS, and blood pressure testing by Somerset Council's Healthy Somerset team. Around 50 people attended the day.

Step, Ride, Thrive has partnered with Somerset Wildlife Trust to offer nature connection training to walk leaders, community organisations and volunteers across Avalon and Poldens. The aim is to support people to weave nature-based wellbeing into their lives, communities and any community projects or regular walks they are involved with. Somerset Wildlife Trust use an approach called the Five Pathways to Nature Connection, which includes engaging the senses, experiencing emotions, appreciating beauty, finding meaning, and showing compassion for self, others and nature.

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We have a special event coming up from 18th to 31st May, 'Discover Nature fortnight' with free walks, talks and activities - find out more details here. We also plan to develop a series of new maps, including a circular pilgrimage route that connects several churches in the Poldens area. 

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You can view a comprehensive list of local walking and cycling routes on the reserves via the Avalon Marshes website