Update Reports from Working Groups (11.40 - 12.10)
Minutes:
Members of the Working Groups gave an update on their work since the last meeting:
Finance
The Group had nothing to report at present.
Under Represented Groups
The Group was in the process of putting together a position paper which would be brought to a future meeting. They had considered ways to encourage under represented group in accessing the countryside. Suggestions had included promotion of walks through leaflets, holding treasure hunts and geocaching events, promoting walking festivals such as the Bollington Walking Festival and encouraging walking groups to hold events like the Ramblers initiative ‘Get Walking Keep Walking’.
The Group had also consider issues which could put people off walking in the countryside and these included personal safety if walking on own, concerns about sheep, cows and bulls in fields, and not knowing where footpaths are going and the need for more information on signposts.
Health
The Health Group had not met since the last meeting but its members were aware of many countryside access events connected to health taking place such as “Change4Life”, “Walk4Life Miles” and walks and events arranged by the Ranger Service and Health Teams in both Councils. It was suggested that feedback be requested from these events.
A report on horse riding and its benefits to health was due to be published shortly. The Woodlands Trust had issued a report on the benefits of trees to physical and mental health.