Get Doncaster Moving awards 50th Active Communities Grant to rambling group

The Conisbrough Forward rambling group is the 50th grantee to be recognised by the Active Communities Grant scheme, which will allow them to inspire people to take on more varied, longer and guided walks. The money will be used to create new maps and signposts, as well as to pay for a walking supervisor. The rambling group was chosen as a worthy recipient of the grant as the funds will be used to inspire more people to start walking, explore their local areas and visit Conisbrough too.

This award comes after Doncaster Council recently launched its 'Get Doncaster Moving' campaign, supported by Sport England and the National Lottery, which aims to increase participation in physical activity and sport in the borough and make Doncaster a healthier and more vibrant place to live.

The first part of the Get Doncaster Moving campaign focuses on walking as a free, accessible activity that can be done all-year round; emphasising its mental and physical health benefits and showcasing the abundance of green spaces across the borough.

Council research, undertaken in April 2021, found that walking for fun or leisure was the most common activity among Doncaster residents who had been physically active during the second national lockdown. More than half (58%) of people surveyed have been getting out for walks and half (49%) say they plan to do more physical activity in the next three months.

Speaking about the award which was granted to Conisbrough Forward, Councillor Nigel Ball, Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Leisure, Culture and Planning, Doncaster Council , said they wanted to reward a group that was expanding and looking forward, explaining: "We were really impressed by the work they were doing, their commitment and passion and the way they have been able to engage members. We look forward to seeing what they do next."

Conisbrough Forward organiser, Penny Lloyd-Rees, adds:

"We have all seen the amazing benefits of walking - especially during the recent lockdowns, and we were keen to build on the work we've already done to encourage and involve more people to explore our local countryside, to walk more, and further.

"We live in an amazing place, with lots of great places to discover and this award will help us to do that. We can invest in new route leaflets and way markers and encourage more people to become walk leaders. We are delighted!"

Active Communities Grants provide opportunities for local people, groups and organisations to apply for funding of up to £500 to support Doncaster residents to be more active. To date the grants have supported a variety of projects across the borough such as woodland workshops, virtual fitness classes, trails and walking groups, wheely discos and exercise parcels for families during lockdown. The scheme is open to not-for profit voluntary or community organisations, registered charities, not-for profit company, community interest company or social enterprises, schools and individuals or informal groups and help is available to guide applicants through the process by the Council's Well Doncaster Officers. The grants are made possible thanks to funding received from Sport England and The National Lottery as part of the Get Doncaster Moving Local Delivery Pilot.