South Downs walks programme resumes

Laura Libricz, from The Friends, said: “We are excited to announce this. Especially with the current situation, getting out in the countryside is becoming more important for many of the people we serve.”

When Covid-19 lockdown began back in March, the Friends of the South Downs had no alternative but to immediately stop their extensive programme of guided walks. The member-based charity aims to protect the beauty of the South Downs, and believes encouraging people to walk in our beautiful countryside to be an important part of its work, but pandemic restrictions put a temporary end to that.

However, undaunted, the Friends of the South Downs have now developed detailed plans for their walks to restart in a ‘Covid-secure’ way.

Chair David Sawyer commented: “I am delighted we will restart our very popular programme of over 200 walks and strolls from October 12. “Initially we can only offer this to current members, and there will be some necessary changes, including needing to pre-book. But getting out into our beautiful countryside has never been more important – for both physical and mental good health.’

Pictured, left to right, are Mick Heywood and Ian Lancaster (Strolls and Walks Coordinators) with David Sawyer, preparing for the programme to restart.

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