Chairman champions countryside access

In keeping with his focus of enthusing people of all ages and abilities to connect with the countryside, navigate their neighbourhoods and access open spaces as best they can, he is promoting both the NK Walking Festival that runs to the end of June, and North Kesteven’s extensive network of pathways that are freely available all day, every day, year in, year out.

From June 15 to June 30, a programme of 70-plus led walks has been drawn together for an 11th year by North Kesteven District Council and its CountrysideNK partner Hill Holt Wood – ranging from a sunrise start to dusk daunders, there are walks with history, heritage, herbs, nature, art, or stories at their heart; and others based on bats, beer, or bangers and mash.

They range in length and terrain; most welcome dogs; many of them take in the established network of Stepping Out Walks, the Co-op’s wellbeing walks, the Council’s visitor venues and open spaces like Whisby Nature Park, Tunman Wood and North Hykeham’s Millennium Green; and all are free or come at a minimal cost.

The entire NK Walking Festival programme can be seen at: www.hillholtwood.co.uk/nk-walking-festival

The network of 20-plus Stepping Out Walks adds up to more than 180 miles of some of the District’s most beautiful and iconic countryside. They can all be found at: Stepping Out - Hill Holt Wood

Additionally, there are two long-distance routes from Lincoln to Sleaford punctuated by public art, a number of arts-based interest trails around Sleaford, the Viking Way ruins through North Kesteven and the Water Rail Way forms a level-access path from Lincoln to Bardney along the River Witham.

Mindful of the vast health and wellbeing benefits that walking, outdoors activity and connecting with nature brings, Cllr Hagues is encouraging everyone to take full advantage of the opportunities, designated footpaths and waymarked routes that criss-cross the District.

“Being a dog walker, I know myself what a significant difference getting out into the countryside twice a day – sometimes very early in the day when I hear woodpeckers, see deer and other wildlife – has on me. It’s quite magical and undoubtedly good for the soul and for mental health.

“With such vast open countryside, broad open spaces and within our safe communities, we have so many opportunities to get out into nature and explore,” said Cllr Hagues who has seen how the new paths connecting Sleaford to Silk Willoughby and his village of Leasingham had boosted people’s confidence in walking or cycling safely in preference to using the car.

Throughout his year as chairman, Cllr Hagues is promoting the Lincolnshire Rural Support Network and its provision of pastoral and practical support for people engaged in agriculture, horticulture or facing isolation in Lincolnshire’s rural communities – particularly during periods of anxiety, stress, and problems with business or family life.

As a charity in its 25th year, it offer a listening ear, a free and confidential service, home and farm visits, advice points and health screening clinics to Lincolnshire's farmers, growers and allied businesses relating to mental health, finance, legal or family issues.

Donations can be made at: www.justgiving.com/page/nkdc-chairman