Funding boost for nature wellbeing walks

Trust Treks connects people from Teesside with nature and the North York Moors National Park to improve health and wellbeing. © James Metcalfe

Funding announced for wellness walks that improve mental and physical health and access to nature.

The North York Moors Trust is delighted to announce the securing of funding for Trust Treks.

The project, set up in autumn 2023, aims to connect people from Teesside with nature through guided wellbeing walks to improve mental and physical health.

The funding from the Tees Valley Community Foundation, You’ve Got This, and Everyone Active will allow us to connect more people with the associated health and wellbeing benefits of nature and the therapeutic qualities of the North York Moors National Park.

The funding will now also enable us to provide material support to participants to reduce many of the barriers which often limit access to nature, such as covering the costs of transport and essential gear like walking boots. 

The Trust Treks project is more than just walking, it is about providing a safe and supportive space for individuals to connect with nature and the health and wellbeing benefits, build confidence, and strengthen resilience.

The support of our funders ensures that we can continue to maintain free guided wellbeing walks in 2024 to those who greatly benefit from the project and uphold our commitment to secure equitable access to nature and our beautiful natural landscapes.

We will be able to offer participants taking part this year financial support towards transport costs to the monthly walks, refreshments, and most importantly walking boots and waterproofs, the lack of the latter often stops people from interacting with nature.

The project was set up as a positive, proactive, and cost-effective response to tackling and reversing declining health outcomes locally.  

Participants who have taken part so far have reported significant improvements in their overall wellbeing, citing the nature wellbeing walks and connection with local natural landscapes as a contributing factor, as well as the friendly, supportive guide.

James Metcalfe, Director of the North York Moors Trust, said:

“Connecting with nature is proven to enhance mental and physical health.

“Despite strong evidence, nature wellbeing services are under-resourced. So this funding will allow us to grow our work, support more people, and reduce or remove economic and social barriers to accessing nature.

“We are immensely grateful to our funders for their belief in our positive and proactive approach to improving health outcomes on Teesside through nature - which is in abundance on our doorsteps.”

Ends.

For more information or to take part in Trust Treks contact James at j.metcalfe@northyorkmoorstrust.uk or visit Trust Treks.