VOLUNTEER walk leaders from across Devon and Cornwall were in Plymouth recently for an event in recognition of their inspirational work.

Natural England's Walking for Health programme (WfH) encourages people to enjoy their local natural spaces and benefit their health by taking part in health walks led by trained volunteer walk leaders.

Across Devon and Cornwall there are 403 active walk leaders giving up their time to lead 110 walks every week. Over the last year, around 5,000 led health walks took place, involving 2,097 regular walkers across both counties – over a third more than the previous year.

Buses brought 128 volunteers from across the counties to the celebratory event at the National Marine Aquarium.  A speech was given by Natural England's strategic health adviser Dr William Bird. In the afternoon volunteers took part in a guided history walk on the Hoe, or a led health walk, and enjoyed free access to the aquarium throughout the day.

Dr Bird said: 'Regular walking is one of the most important things we can do to improve mobility and general health. The WfH programme in Devon and Cornwall has gone from strength to strength, and the work of the volunteers enables over 2,000 people each year to walk regularly and enjoy the benefits of accessing the natural environment.'

Will Masefield, Walking for Health national volunteer manager at Natural England, said: 'The programme could not exist without the hard work of the volunteer walk leaders and they deserve recognition and a big thank you for their time and efforts.'

Growing medical evidence shows that access to the natural environment improves health and wellbeing, prevents disease and helps people recover from illness. Experiencing nature in the outdoors can help tackle childhood obesity, coronary heart disease, stress and mental health problems.

Horrabridge Walk and Talk runs walks every Tuesday, starting at 10am from the London Inn car park. These walks are for one hour and are over reasonable terrain. There are also two-hour walks on alternate Wednesdays which are a little more demanding, meeting at the same place and time.

All ages welcome. These walks are all led by qualified leaders and are free.  A small contribution is made to car drivers. New walkers are welcome, contact Judy Ricketts 01822 853867 or Jean Couthard 01822 853130 for any information.