26. LEAsurely Health Walks
Theme: Community engagement and participation
Objectives:
- Improve local knowledge and understanding of the river and the issues facing it
- Increase public access to and involvement in the river
- Promote the river as a community and educational resource
Project description
Through this project, Groundwork worked with Active Luton and Sustrans, who each lead health walks in the town, to create a series of fascinating fact sheets and purchase binoculars to make it easier to spot wildlife during walks that meander through our local parks and alongside the River Lea.
The Lewsey Brook health walk route (led by Active Luton) allows walkers to notice and learn about Lewsey Brook, including its history as a farmland feature, why it's a temporal water course and how good it is for plants and wildlife. The walk takes in a stretch of river at both the start and end and both sections are along paved paths so they are easily accessible all year round.
Sustrans leads a walk route within Wardown Park, and the newly created discussion cards help stimulate conversation between walkers about the environmental and historical importance of the River and Lake in the town's principle park.
People who have been enjoying the walks so far say they go along for the exercise, the chance to meet familiar faces and take friends along, and to see the views and explore the park, which they wouldn't do alone.
Project lead: Groundwork Luton & Bedfordshire
Project partners: Sustrans and Active Luton
Funding source: Thames Water Community Investment Fund
Project start: September 2016
Project end: March 2017
Contact for more information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
