AGM - away from home

Safety in fields October walks programme

Another local walk

Ramble On cautiously and prepare for further changes and District Group News – October 2020 From the Chair Our Group enjoyed 11 excellent walks in September, most in sunshine and without much evidence of autumn’s arrival. October’s programme looks equally inviting, though we may need to wrap up warmly as the days shorten. Because of the continuing Covid uncertainties, we have decided to publish walk programmes from November onwards on a 2-monthly basis rather than our traditional 4-monthly schedules. By contrast, primarily driven by the cost of printing and postage, our newsletter will revert to being 4-monthly from November. Members using email will receive newsletters and walk programmes in the normal manner, and all information will also be posted on our web-site. Members with whom we communicate by post will receive a printed newsletter as usual along with a 2-month walk programme: a hard copy of the walk programme for the following 2 months can be obtained by sending a request to me.

In recent years our AGM has been a convivial and enjoyable event, and the bring-and-buy stall has significantly boosted group funds. Unfortunately, we will not be able to meet in this way this year. Instead, we intend to run a very brief AGM during the forthcoming away weekend, involving only the core elements: reports from the chair and treasurer, and election of the committee. The two reports mentioned are appended below so that any member not present at the away weekend has the opportunity to respond beforehand and propose motions for discussion. All current members of the committee are standing for re- election, with the exception of Chris Parks. Chris has carried out his duties as secretary conscientiously and enthusiastically for four years, and we are very grateful for his sustained commitment. Phil Wales will stand for election as the new secretary.

There has been an upsurge in new Corona virus infections recently, to which the authorities have responded by introducing further restrictions. However, in recognition of the low risk of transmission and the huge benefits that rambling provides, we are permitted to continue walking in groups of up to 30 as long as it’s in a safe and responsible manner. Individual leaders may decide to restrict the number on their walks to fewer than 30, so please make

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sure to book your place. Best wishes, Bob Pond

No 22 in the series: “Things seen while out walking in the south west”

Multi-tasking at Throwleigh Church Photo: Les Bright Take care around cattle! It was truly shocking to learn of not one, but two deaths in September involving people out for a walk in the countryside being trampled by cattle.

It would be wrong to speculate about the causes of those two recent tragic events but we all know that there are some ‘Golden Rules’ that if followed will reduce the likelihood of anything untoward happening:

 Keep dogs on leads when walking through fields where livestock are grazing;

 The National Farmers Union advises walkers with dogs to let them off the lead if cattle show interest in the dog: “cattle will chase dogs rather than you, and dogs are always likely to outrun cattle”;

 Never get between cows and their calves;

 If cattle show interest (frequently they have no interest in us at all) do not run, but move slowly and steadily;

When walking as a group be aware of anyone who is nervous around cattle and ensure that they remain within the group so that their anxiety does not lead them to behave erratically.

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 Group Walks Programme 01/10/20 - 31/10/20 Thu 1 October 2020 10:30 - 5.7 miles/9.2 km - Moderate circular walk. BOOKING NEEDED - NORTH OF MORCHARD Starts at 10:30: village car park. (EX17 6PJ, SS774076) A varied walk via Morchard Wood, Hill Barton, North Leigh & Broadridge Farm: lanes, fields, woodland, and some magnificent views given the right weather. As the pace will not be at all fast (leisurely pace but hilly with one or two awkward stiles), we shall stop for a lunch break part way round, so please bring your picnic with you. Map: EXP113, Leader: JENNY, 01884 821805, [email protected]

Fri 2 October 2020 10:30 - 7 miles/11.3 km - Moderate circular walk. BOOKING NEEDED - Starts at 10:30: Car park on Haytor Down. (TQ13 9XS, SX770778) The walk is mostly moorland paths and tracks, quiet lanes with one steep descent/ascent of the river Lemon valley. From the car park we walk to Smallacombe Rocks, which gives lovely views towards Hound Tor across the Becka Brook valley. From there we walk between Haytor and Holywell Tor, crossing the road to Bagtor Down and descend into the Lemon valley crossing the river on an old granite bridge. We climb out of the valley to meet a quiet lane at Smokey Cross and follow the lane into and through Haytor Vale, past the Rock Inn and back to the main road by the Moorland Hotel. We follow the moorland tracks under Haytor and back to the car park. Map: OL28, Leader: HAZEL POND, 07872 940527, [email protected]

Sun 4 October 2020 10:30 - 9.5 miles/15.3 km - Moderate circular walk. BOOKING NEEDED - BEAUTIES OF Starts at 10:30: Village car park, Branscombe (with toilets). (EX12 3PA, SY197888) A walk around the hills and valleys to the north and west of Branscombe Village. From the village hall to Fountain Head, through the National Trust woods to the coast path, Branscombe Mouth, then inland past Branscombe, Gays Farm, Hole House, Edge Farm, Ashton Daws and back along the coast path to Branscombe Church. A mixture of tracks, footpaths, mostly quiet lanes, woods, farmland and the SW Coast Path with lovely views. Map: EXP115, Leaders: COLIN & MARGARET, 01404 234994, [email protected]

Fri 9 October 2020 10:30 - 9 miles/14.5 km - Moderate circular walk. BOOKING NEEDED - LOOKING FOR THE GOLDEN DAGGER Starts at 10:30: Bennett’s Cross Car Park. (PL20 6TA, SX676812) A walk using moorland tracks, which can be wet in places, a short section of road walking and one steep climb as we ascend onto Hamel Down, which is worth it for the extensive views, being the highest point on the . We will pass the remains of the Vitifer and Golden Dagger Mines, Soussons Wood and Farm, Hamel Down, heading north along the ridge passing the line of cairns with the Duke of Somerset Boundary Stones, Grimspound, Hookney Tor and over Birch Tor on our return. Map: OL28, Leader: JOHN HOWELL, 07711 961297, [email protected]

Sun 11 October 2020 10:30 - 11 miles/17.7 km - Moderate circular walk. BOOKING NEEDED - QUARRIES, RAILWAYS, STONE ROWS AND GRAND TORS. Starts at 10:30: Four Winds Car Park, West of . (PL20 6SS, SX561749) A walk using moorland paths, the disused railway track and other tracks with fine views. The walk is generally moderate, however, there is a strenuous climb from the Devonport Leat to Leather Tor. King Tor, Swelltor Quarries, Leeden Tor, Black Tor, walking beside the Devonport Leat, Leather Tor, Sharpitor, Routrundle, Davey Town, Hucken Tor, Merrivale stone rows and return. On the walk we will pass a double stone row below Black Tor and walk through the impressive Merrivale Bronze Age ceremonial site, with rows, kists, a circle and standing stone. We will visit the beautiful Black Tor falls, where there are the remains of tinner’s buildings and see un-used partially finished corbels which were to be used on the London Bridge which was removed to America. Map: OL28, Leaders: RO TAYLOR & JOHN HOWELL, 07711 961297, [email protected]

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Thu 15 October 2020 10:30 - 6 miles/9.7 km - Moderate circular walk. BOOKING NEEDED - STROLL A WORLD HERITAGE SITE Starts at 10:30: Lifeboat Station (East Side near their Shop). Parking – road and car parks (incl WC) close to start. Car Parks 50p per 30 minutes. (EX8 2DB, SY011800) Maer Farm, Littleham and then continue towards and West Down Beacon on the coastal footpath. Return along the cliff path, part of the , where we will take a lunch stop. Lanes, footpaths and coastal footpath. Map: EXP115, Leader: SUE HOWELL, 01392 426253 or 07849 452829, [email protected]

Sat 17 October 2020 10:30 - 11.5 miles/18.5 km - Moderate circular walk. BOOKING NEEDED - SATURDAY LEG STRETCHER: DO YOU PREFER ONE LOOP OR TWO? Starts at 10:30: Car park at Knowles Wood. (EX15 2EU, ST095069) This walk takes us into the heart of the mid- countryside with a choice of walk length. We start at Knowles wood. Heading south on bridleways and well defined paths we walk in an arc around the northern side Broadhembury through open fields taking in views of the surrounding countryside. We complete our first loop by ascending through woods which opens out to a wide bridleway running alongside the Devon and Somerset gliding club where there are beautiful views of the valley beyond. We then make our way back to our start point (7.5 miles).For those who might have an appetite for a second loop in their walk we then head on north to Blackborough. We ascend in search an afternoon tea spot (bring your own scone!) to take in the views to our east. Refreshed we then return to our start point. (total 11.5 miles). Map: EXP115, Leader: PHIL WALES, 07502 029288, [email protected]

Sun 18 October 2020 10:30 - 10.5 miles/16.9 km - Moderate circular walk. BOOKING NEEDED - THE BEST OF TWO HILLS Starts at 10:30: Tipton St John CP (free). No toilets. (EX10 0AF, SY089917) A chance here to explore the best of East Hill and Hill with a bonus of Mutters Moor. Leave Tipton on the minor road to Harpford. Turn left on the track that passes up past Hayne Barton and Manor Barton Farm, up to the minor road that skirts Fire Beacon Hill. Walk round the contour of East Hill, across Harpford Common, then turn right down to Stowford. Up Greenway Lane, past the old railway line and a minor road. Turn left onto Higher Greenway Lane, on the contour of Bulverton Hill, then take the Stoney Hill track to the golf course, followed by a big loop on top of Mutters Moor. A long straight stretch towards Bulverton Plantation with good views to the left. Head downwards towards Newton Poppleford. At the main road, take the very minor road to Harpford, cross the bridge over the River Otter and return to Tipton. Tired and happy but thirsty? A pint in the Golden Lion afterwards (rules permitting). Map: EXP115, Leader: COLIN PIPER, 01404 234994, [email protected]

Thu 22 October 2020 10:30 - 6 miles/9.7 km - Moderate circular walk. BOOKING NEEDED - ROCKING IT FROM STEPS BRIDGE TO THE BLACKINGSTONE Starts at 10:30: Steps Bridge car park. (EX6 7EQ, SX803883) From the Bridford Wood side of the Teign River bank take the long and sometimes steep path to Burnicombe, thence to Heltor Rock, Plaistow Green, Blackingstone Rock, Thorn, Lower Heltor, return. NB There is no necessity to climb either rock to enjoy the walk; the Blackingstone has a narrow tread, granite stairway with rails either side. Inadvisable in wet weather or strong winds. Fine views may be enjoyed without hazard! Map: OL28 & OL44, Leaders: JANE PRICE & MAGGIE STEWART, 07811 904561, [email protected]

Sun 25 October 2020 10:30 - 10 miles/16.1 km - Moderate circular walk. BOOKING NEEDED - ONE ROUTE OR TWO? Starts at 10:30: Bennett's Cross CP. (PL20 6TA, SX679815) Bennett's Cross, Two Moors Way to Hookney then down to Heathercombe where we will pick up the Mariners Way to Leapra Cross onwards to Hurston, Jurston and Yardworthy from where we will pick up the TMW again to head across the common, passing a double stone row and arriving back at the start. Map: OL28, Leader: LES BRIGHT, 01392 424696 or 07712 386846, [email protected]

Due to COVID-19, we all need to take extra steps to stay safe. Please follow all safety advice given by the walk leader, including the latest guidelines on physical distancing. For more information about COVID-19 and Ramblers group walks, please see our guidance for walkers on the coronavirus pages of the Ramblers website. If you would like to join a walk, please book a place by emailing (preferred) or phoning the walk leader. Booking opens seven days before the walk and closes 48 hours before the walk. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your booking so that someone else can take your place. Please do not turn up for a walk without booking. Please do not car share. We will only use contact information you provide to get in touch about the walk, or to share if requested with NHS Test and Trace. 4

Annual Report: October 2019 - September 2020

Rambling Our Group enjoyed a full programme of walks through the 2019/20 winter, but, like all other groups, was instructed to cease activities in March. During the following lockdown, members were only permitted to walk close to their homes in “domestic bubbles”. Some ramblers reported altruistic support from local farmers who granted access to their land, such as a delightful 3km walk created near Clyst St Mary.

In anticipation that the lockdown would be eased, our group had prepared an interim programme of walks in readiness, so we were able to re-start a full schedule at the beginning of July. A booking system was introduced so that walk leaders would be prepared to subdivide larger groups into socially-distanced bubbles of six, each with its own secondary leader. Attendance was strong throughout the summer, and, by the beginning of August groups of up to 30 ramblers were permitted as long as virus precautions were adopted.

Unfortunately, it was necessary to postpone planned trips to explore and Bristol: we intend to resume this programme of visiting cities of the SW in due course. Similarly, we have had to interrupt our series of “Big Walks” organised in collaboration with colleagues in the Two Moors Way Association. The complete series of walks extend from the S to the N coast of Devon: the next two cross mid-Devon and the lower reaches of .

Despite the pandemic restrictions, our annual away weekend is planned to take place at the end of October. We will occupy one of Holiday Fellowship’s country houses, Harrington House, Bourton-on-the-Water. A choice of walks is arranged for each of the 4-days of the visit.

Administration Our AGM in Nov ’19 was a well-attended convivial occasion at which our Group’s committee members delivered their respective reports, and the Bring-and Buy stall raised an impressive sum for our funds. After sterling work, Colin Piper stepped down as treasurer, and has been replaced by Paul Bulley. An excellent presentation was made about Rights of Way by Alison Smith, a Definitive Map Review Officer for Devon C.C.

We intend to hold an abbreviated AGM at our away weekend in October. The supporting documentation will be published in our October newsletter and be posted on our web-site. This way, members who are not attending the away weekend will have the opportunity to respond and propose motions. Chris Parks will be stepping down as group secretary after conscientiously supporting our committee for several years, and Phil Wales is proposed as his replacement.

Our membership is currently 206, a modest increase on last year’s figure. While we have been quite successful at recruiting new members, we note that several members who joined in 2019 have not renewed their membership.

Leader Training Over the last two years, we have organised in-house leader training events aimed at refreshing active leaders and encouraging new ones. A further session was arranged in

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November 2019 focusing on compass skills. It is very pleasing to report that these activities procured three new leaders who are now mainstays in our walking programme.

Newsletters Our normal practice is to distribute newsletters on a 4-monthly cycle. However, once lockdown was imposed, we decided to stay in touch with members on a monthly basis. To this end, our newsletter editor, Les Bright, has overseen production of informative and entertaining communications from April to October. Messages of appreciation were received from several members, especially in response to the early additions. It is intended to return to the former schedule from November.

Projects We have secured funding for the preparation of a publication, “Walking Around Exeter”, aimed at encouraging people to consider walking for improved fitness and health. We are collaborating with Exeter City Council and ‘Active Devon’, though pandemic restrictions have slowed progress. So far members have contributed 12 walks. Our objective is to produce about 20 for the final booklet.

We are also collaborating with District Council in their long-term project to develop the Clyst Valley Regional Park, ultimately envisaged to stretch from Killerton Estate to Clyst St Mary. Simon Bates, Green Infrastructure Project Manager, is overseeing the developments for EDDC, and Colin Piper is a member of the steering committee.

Bob Pond, Chair - Exeter and District Group

Financial Report for the period ended 30.09.20 Full details are available on request from the treasurer or chair. We received increased funding from Ramblers Central Office (CO) to meet the costs of producing our book of walks around Exeter. The book is still in the course of preparation, and the money has been carried forward to next financial year.

Income from other sources held up comfortably, especially the Bring & Buy which did exceptionally well. Many thanks to Louise, Susie and others for all their efforts on the stall at the last AGM. With different arrangements for the AGM this year and income from Ramblers Worldwide Holidays (RWH) uncertain, things may not be so good for the coming year.

The change to monthly walk programmes and newsletters from July has meant increased costs in printing and postage. Exeter College was closed between April and September and we had to resort to getting programmes printed commercially at extra cost.

The uncertainty created by the pandemic has made it a difficult year in which to forecast expenditure. However, our balance/spend ratio, a key metric when our accounts are examined by the Ramblers’ Association, is healthy at 86.4%.

Paul Bulley, Treasurer - Exeter and District Group

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Powderham Deer Park Traverse General: A circuit starting at St. Clement’s Church, Powderham walking towards Kenton bordering Powderham Old Plantation, taking the Mamhead Road up the hill, bridle paths to Westlake Farm, descent to Bishop’s Close under the railway track, return via Exe Valley Way.

Start: St. Clement’s Church, Powderham Grid Ref SX 972 844 Distance: 6 miles/9.5 kms

The start may be reached by car to the Church, by bike along the estuary Cycle Route 2, or train to and walk to the start point.

From St. Clements sandstone Church dedicated in 1259, take the road in front of you with the estuary behind to the green and enter the snicket gate, filing up the slope.

The Deer Park was depicted on a map in 1723 and the fallow deer herd seen to the left number 600. The Park contains spectacular trees, principally oak, lime, plane and chestnut, these being encouraged to reach huge girth.

The Belvedere Tower to the right was built in1773 for the second Viscount Courtenay. This three-storey tower offered clear views over the Exe Estuary, providing a unique vantage point from which to view the busy shipping lanes between Topsham and Exmouth. The Belvedere served as a ballroom for the family too, with a sprung, rosewood floor – a perfect venue for the entertainments of the Viscount’s thirteen daughters. It later became a gamekeeper’s cottage and also inspired the copycat Haldon Belvedere, at nearby Lawrence Castle.

Powderham castle may be glimpsed from the summit of the path. A fortified manor house situated within the parish and former manor of Powderham, within the former hundred of Exminster. Situated on flat, formerly marshy ground on the west bank of the estuary where it is joined by its tributary the River Kenn. For 600 years it has remained the seat of the Earls of Devon, the Courtenays, allied to the kings of France and to the Plantagenets. Gibbon in his ‘Decline and Fall’ traces the rise of the house from a root near Paris who were allied to the kings of France, then crusading Governors in Mesopotamia and giving a King to Jerusalem, rulers of Constantinople and our branch who came to England. The castle was built by Sir Philip Courtenay in1392 and many of the walls, battlements and towers remain from this time. Henry VIII executed Henry Courtenay in the Tower of London in 1538 though Henry Courtenay had accompanied Henry Tudor to Calais for the Field of the Cloth of Gold in1520. The castle was expanded and altered extensively in the 18th and 19th centuries, most notably by James Wyatt in the 1790s. From the brow of the hill make your way down, go through the wicket gate facing you, cross the track and enter the Kenn River valley using the footbridge provided over the wetland. Follow this charming path with the trickling stream to your right, pass the pretty cottage gardens into Kenton halting at the next wicket gate and crossing the main road at the pedestrian crossing.

Enter Fore Street to Church Street with the Church of All Saints opposite, currently closed due to falling masonry. Turn left into Mamhead Road passing the Primary School to your left and press on up the hill with the Kenton allotments half way up the hill. Continue to the

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fork, taking the smaller left lane and keep going until you reach a wider, busier road, look both ways and cross! Keep on to Westlake Farm and wind your way through the industrial buildings down a track to a field. Turn abruptly left and follow the gently rising bridle path to the summit, go through the wide gateway to your left and continue to the end of the next bridle path. You will reach a large milking parlour on your right and three choices: take the middle, widest, hard surface route which is Higher Cofford Lane. At the bottom turn right and filter carefully along this stretch of Toll Road to the T junction where you turn left into New Road and swiftly first right into General’s Lane. Follow this down to the brackish waters of the Exe Estuary by passing under the train track at Bishop’s Close taking care not to slip on the seaweed.

Retracing your footsteps with the estuary behind, bear right to Starcross taking in the South Devon Railway engine house built to power the atmospheric trains on the South Devon Railway between Exeter St. David’s and Plymouth Millbay railway stations in 1846. The trains contained boilers that provided power to pumps, which created the partial vacuum to move the trains. The leather valve along the top of the pipe tended to dry out and air could then leak in, but this was mitigated slightly by the passing trains spraying water on the leather. The harsh environment of the line, which runs adjacent to the sea for much of its length and is often soaked with salt spray, presented difficulties in maintaining the leather flaps provided to seal the vacuum pipes, which had to be kept supple by being greased with tallow; even so, air leaked in, reducing the pressure difference. This Atmospheric-powered service thus lasted less than a year.

When the railway authorities wanted to pull down the last, remaining engine house and tower of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s railway, Starcross formed the ‘Brunel Tower Action Group’ to publicise the fate of this landmark. A certain ‘Dick Forrester’ moved into the tower with his family and the Tower was saved.

Keep going past the conveniences to the left of the station to stroll along The Strand joining The or Exe Valley Way, continuing through the car park, exiting the end, crossing the A379 to the smaller coastal road taking care not to be run down by cyclists or cars! A road sign warns of no footway for 1¾ miles from the dilapidated grey, brick estate cottage which you pass keeping on your left. Fine views of Powderham Castle may be seen across the vista as well as a heronry in the tall trees within the park. Arrive back at St. Clement’s Church.

Jane Price

Editor’s note: Thanks for responding to the call for more walks to feature in our planned publication, Jane. And, for using your creative skills to produce an illustration to depict the route - not quite Ordnance Survey!

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The Deerpark walk: Illustration, Jane Price

Last of the Summer Wine The week before the late summer bank-holiday the weather was unsettled, due at least in part to a visit from storm Francis. It came as a surprise to wake on the morning of Sunday 30th August to sun streaming through the window and the air a pleasant, if seasonably cool temperature, ideal for walking. Starting out from Harford, a notoriously difficult spot to park, our group was lucky enough to have exclusive access to a field near the church, thanks to the kind permission of the farmer. A sizeable group of ramblers in high spirits (and in 9

several cases, shorts) joined an old horse box and a flock of inquisitive chickens to assemble in the field, before setting out on a walk of two rivers: up the Erme and down the Yealm.

Full of the joys of unexpected late-summer sun, we struck out on our route which took us past the bulk of Tristis Rock and northwards across Burford Down to pick up the track that runs like a scar along the hillside above the western bank of the Erme. After an hour, we stopped for coffee in the dappled shade of still-green oak leaves on the opposite bank to Piles Copse, and high above the Erme, still swollen with the legacy of Francis. The ancient oak wood was still in full leaf with no hint of autumnal colour yet, although green acorns were in abundance.

Refreshed, we proceeded northwards, stopping to take a look at Downing’s House, an excellently preserved tinner’s hut, almost hidden by the prodigious growth of late summer bracken. Beyond the small dam on the Erme, the path narrows, and meanders through the spoil of abandoned tin mines. We broke away from the river at Bladge Brook, following it as it wriggles northwest, and squelched through reeds towards peaceful remoteness. Where the brook peters out, we headed west across Stall Moor, picking our way across tussocky ground as we gradually ascended to its plateau. The ground quickly begins to drop through heather-strewn clitter towards the mossy basin of the Yealm, which is still modest at this point, close to its source.

Walking southwards along the Yealm’s eastern bank is one of my favourite spots on , especially on a sunny day.

Lunch at Yealm Steps, Photo: Kate Pond

Quite soon the ground drops away sharply; the river cascading down mossy rocks in a series of beautiful waterfalls known as Yealm Steps. This is an ideal place for lunch, where each 10

rambler could find their own nook to nestle into among the rocks, and enjoy their sandwiches with a view southward along the river, to the and beyond to the sea. Several pairs of hot feet, freed from their boots, were dangled in the water to cool.

Pressing on, we followed the Yealm to Ranny Brook, another site of intensive tin mining from times past. Crossing the brook, we headed east-southeast onto the western shoulder of Stalldown Barrow, climbing doggedly up the shallow but relentless hillside to the magnificent stone row at its crest. The sight of the Corndon Maidens, the megaliths at the northern end of the row, is balm to aching muscles.

We followed the row to its southern end, enjoying spectacular views over the landscape dropping before us all the way down to the sea, glistening in the distance. From the end of the row we turned southeast, heading now across the Barrow, before dropping down through Bronze Age settlements all the way back to Burford Down, and Harford, where the chickens had assiduously minded the cars. There is an immediacy to fine weather in late summer: the last stand of warm air and blue skies, before the season turns. The conjunction of fine weather and beautiful places makes for special memories.

Bob Pond

Homeward bound at the Stalldown Stone Row, Photo: Kate Pond

The grass isn’t greener for everyone Being able to walk to in nature-filled green spaces close to where we live is more important to us than ever following the COVID-19 lockdown. But the pandemic has also highlighted the sharp disparity between those who have easy access to green space, for example here in

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Exeter and Devon, and those who don’t according to a new Ramblers’ report, The grass isn’t greener for everyone: Why access to green space matters, published in mid September.

While millions of us have found comfort in walking and nature during the pandemic, it’s not the same story for everyone. With one in eight households having no access to a private or shared garden, many people felt the lack of a park or nearby green space keenly during the restrictions of lockdown. Ramblers is calling on the government to introduce legally binding targets to guarantee everyone, everywhere can easily walk in nature-filled green spaces, wherever they live. Green space is important to almost everyone Ramblers did some research with YouGov, which found that green spaces are important to almost everyone, with the top reason being that they are a good place to walk (78%). In fact, lots of us intend to walk more than we did before, when lockdown restrictions come to an end. Two thirds (65%) of adults reported that being able to access green space in their local area had always been important to them, with an additional one in five adults (19%) saying that green space in their local area was more important to them now than before the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s well worth reading the full report www.ramblers.org.uk/news/latest-news/2020 ------Ramblers Association: Exeter & District Group Committee 2019-20

President: Colin Piper

Chairman Bob Pond 01392 874644 [email protected] Hon Secretary Chris Parks 07814167079 [email protected] Treasurer Paul Bulley 01392 467491 [email protected] Walking Environment Officer John Howell 07711 961297 [email protected] Walks Secretary Ian Wroe 07513 168451 [email protected] Footpath Officers Gill McPhail 01392 214520 [email protected] Richard Clarkson 01392 411694 [email protected] Publicity Secretaries Susie Jackson (social media) [email protected] Les Bright 07712 386846 [email protected] Membership/Welfare Sec Hazel Pond 07872 940527 [email protected] Newsletter editor Les Bright 07712 386846 [email protected]

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