The project is hosted by Highland Third Sector Interface and is funded by a combination of grants from NHS Highland and Paths for All via the ‘Walking for Health Fund’ and the ‘Smarter Choices Smarter Places Open Fund.’
Think Nature’s ambition is not only to increase the number of safe and accessible Health Walks but to encourage and support walkers and volunteer Walk Leaders to make active travel choices – to walk, wheel or cycle to and from Health Walks and as part of their everyday journeys.
Charlotte Mackenzie, Project Manager at Think Nature Health Walks says,
Combining sustainable travel with Health Walks increases opportunities for greater social interactions and helps people reconnect with their community, with friends and family, local shops, amenities and services - this reduces isolation and loneliness.
Charlotte undertook an Active Travel survey with walkers and Walk Leaders to find out what might motivate them to walk, cycle or use public transport and to explore what barriers and challenges might exist. Charlotte believes this is a wonderful way to help raise the profile of active and sustainable travel; to encourage conversations about the way walkers travel to and from Health Walks; and for making short everyday journeys.
Some of their Think Nature’s Health Walks use walking routes that link with community transport, shops, schools, medical centres, and other important local services. Showing walkers how they can move around their local area on foot helps connect them with local amenities and gives them the confidence to make their everyday journeys out with the walking group more active.
Charlotte continues:
Increasing people’s capability and motivation about active and sustainable travel and highlighting opportunities where people live will enable people to change their behaviour towards more sustainable travel. Health Walks can enable people to choose the active way to for everyday journeys, such as going to the shops or the school run.
Charlotte plays a pivotal role in Think Nature Health Walks: she is a vital activator and information hub for promoting all things walking, wheeling, scooting, cycling, community transport and car sharing in local communities. Charlotte distributes active travel maps, public transport information and links with local projects to provide access to cycling opportunities such as led bike rides and access to e-bike hire. Linking up with local transport providers has been instrumental in widening opportunities for people to participate.
Charlotte believes that the key to integrating Health Walks with sustainable and active travel in rural Highlands lies in investing time in developing the role of Walk Leaders and building the confidence of walkers to make more active choices. Walk Leaders are great influencers and connectors for active commuting, increasing awareness and developing positive attitudes among walkers.
Think Nature Health Walks have shown that walking groups have the power to build confidence in individuals and motivate them to choose the active route for short everyday trips. They can introduce people to other forms of active and sustainable travel and be a beacon for travelling green.
To apply for a grant from our Smarter Choices, Smarter Places Open Fund, supported by Transport Scotland, click here.