Connecting Actively to Nature (CAN) Projects 2019-21

Connecting Actively to Nature (CAN) evaluation of SWCPA projects 2019-2021

Published April 2022

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Connecting Actively to Nature (CAN) evaluation of SWCPA projects 2019-2021

Introduction Starting in 2019, the South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA) became a partner of Active Devon’s Connecting Actively to Nature (CAN).

This 5 year programme aims to support and inspire inactive people aged over 55, in Devon, Torbay and Plymouth, to connect actively to nature through social activity. The programme, funded by Sport England

encourages people to get outdoors, amongst beautiful surroundings and discover the combined health and wellbeing benefits of a more active lifestyle.

Being outside in the fresh air can give people an enormous boost, improve your mood and reduce anxiety, and when combined with small regular bouts of physical activity, can make a difference to people’s

health. SWCPA’s research demonstrates coastal walking has clear health savings to the NHS. However, there are known barriers to activity such as health conditions, poor fitness, isolation, ‘too busy to get outdoors’, or considering activity is ‘not for me’ and this programme aims to tackle these.

Exmouth seafront

Equity of Access The 630-mile-long South West Coast Path is the longest of 20 National Trails in a network of paths running across the UK, helping people access, experience, and enjoy our finest coast and countryside. The designation of a national network of longdistance paths followed the establishment of the NHS in the post-war recovery and was intended to contribute to the nation’s wellbeing as a ‘natural health service’.

Seventy years on, the

importance of connecting people to nature is just as important.

The South West Coast Path Association recognises the important role the Coast Path can play in improving our physical and mental health, and provides information to enable people to access it. In addition, continual improvements are made to accessibility with physical improvements to the route so a broader range of people can use the Path.

We are working with the University of Exeter to better understand and identify the value of walking the Coast Path to people’s health and wellbeing. The charity has also undertaken a series of pilot walk programmes, engaging with people not using the Trail so we can better understand other barriers to access. As a national resource we need to make sure that the Coast Path is accessible and that everyone has the opportunity to use and enjoy this world class trail.

Connecting Actively to Nature (CAN) evaluation of SWCPA projects 2019-2021

Participant numbers Between 2019 and 2021, SWCPA lead 8 CAN projects engaging with over 225 over 55s in Devon completing projects in:

ILFRACOMBE

10

19

30

BARNSTAPLE WESTWARD HO!

DEVON TEIGNMOUTH

30

48 9

56

PLYMOUTH PLYMSTOCK

TORQUAY

EXMOUTH

24

3

4

Connecting Actively to Nature (CAN) evaluation of SWCPA projects 2019-2021

Between 2019 and 2021: Engaged with

8

projects completed

5

over 230

people

12

volunteers supported the walks

Couch to Coast projects completed

Similar to the NHS running plan ‘Couch to 5k’, helping people gradually build fitness, stamina and confidence to go from sitting on the sofa, to doing a 5k walk on the South West Coast Path.

5 Walk leaders trained 54 walks completed

2

bird walks with

Walked with

4 local

museums

2

Devon Birds

Coastwatch stations visited

1 Nordic walking project with 19 people trained to use walking poles group Mayflower walking formed after

Ramblers the first project

Torbay walks still running incorporated in local Bay Walks series

Exmouth walks continuing informally using WhatsApp group

Connecting Actively to Nature (CAN) evaluation of SWCPA projects 2019-2021

Nordic Walking at Heddon Bridge

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Connecting Actively to Nature (CAN) evaluation of SWCPA projects 2019-2021

Roundham, Torbay

Connecting Actively to Nature (CAN) evaluation of SWCPA projects 2019-2021

Evaluation what participants got out of it Enjoyment of coastal areas I enjoyed the company of the people walking. Enjoying the amazing scenery was the highlight of every walk. Plymstock participant Confidence to walk further …making myself walk further than I would if left to my own devices.

Westward Ho! participant

Motivated me to walk more. Torquay participant Learning I met new people which was great and learnt about the history of the places I visited.

Plymouth Health walks participant

I particularly enjoyed the information we were given on the walks, it made them even more interesting. Westward Ho! participant The talks that formed part of the outings were a very valuable part of the interest for participants. Teignmouth participant A chance to meet new friends and socialise Really enjoyed the project and the chance to meet people as I moved to the area last year. Torquay participant Wellbeing Used to encourage my husband to become more active as he has no motivation and low self esteem. Plymstock participant The project facilitators were very approachable and committed to encouraging participants to link with nature more and also to link with one another, helping to combat isolation. Westward Ho! participant

A chance to get out It was good for me being a Carer to my husband and Mum as neither can walk far except short walks around supermarket or prom so this project made me commit to walking.

Torquay participant

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Connecting Actively to Nature (CAN) evaluation of SWCPA projects 2019-2021

What methods engage with people more effectively Engaging with local community partners Using the Age UK centre as a base immediately tapped into an older audience who might need encouragement to join in walks. Plymstock participant Encourage and support people to walk at their own pace This project, advertised to encourage people to get active, attracted me as I had felt put off by other walking groups who seemed to be too competitive. People who don’t do much physical activity, need encouragement and reassurance that activity can be taken as gently as needed, and increased as ability allows. Plymstock participant My experience was extremely positive. I suffer with chronic pain and fibromyalgia, my mobility is very limited and I walk slowly. However this really didn’t affect my enjoyment of the CAN project. There was excellent support from leaders, somebody would always walk with you at your pace. Plymouth Health walks participant Giving as much information as possible beforehand so people know what to expect Communication was excellent and arrangements were always clearly stated.

Plymstock participant

The traditional methods of communication are still important I prefer to read posters/leaflets than going online and a poster was how I discovered this project on a community board - posters reach people that don’t have computers.

Westward Ho! participant

Refreshment stops have relevance too The refreshments were very welcome and gave us an opportunity to socialise, while enjoying our natural surroundings. Plymouth health walks participant Transport and easy to reach start points are needed Well organised and attended events; group transport arranged and also car share.

Plymstock participant

Good central meeting place for bus connections. Torquay participant It is not just about the walking…

I think I was lucky in that the group as a whole was really pleasant and got on very well together. Exmouth participant

Connecting Actively to Nature (CAN) evaluation of SWCPA projects 2019-2021

Connecting Actively to Nature Views from our participants:

I didn’t realise we had such beautiful walks in the area There were several standouts that made participating especially enjoyable. The programme was well planned, informative and was excellently presented by SWCPA. Having an ‘expert’ along on each walk to give the group additional interesting insights was a real bonus.

And finally, I think I was lucky in that the group as a whole was really pleasant and got on very well together.

Prior to taking part in the programme, I associated the coast with traditional ‘beach activities’.

The programme has opened my eyes to the much wider recreational scope of the coast as well as its natural beauty’.

What did you enjoy the most:

Meeting some really nice people Exmouth Couch to Coast Group at the end of their 5km walk enjoying a cuppa on the beach at Budleigh Salterton

What next?

Mayflower Ramblers George Zacal Encouraged by the team leaders, at the end of the programme we formed the Mayflower Ramblers with the objective to keep fit and make new friends. We have enjoyed monthly walks with each walk being led by someone different within the group. and have even had a social lunch in the run-up to Xmas.

Couch to Coast in Exmouth Peter Bassett Some of the group on the programme I participated in have continued to meet up every alternate week for a walk. We are gradually increasing the length of our walk and I believe that we are all fitter than when we started.

Bay Walks in Torbay One of the volunteers from Torbay has trained as a walk leader and now leads fortnightly walks as part of the local ‘Bay Walks’ scheme with many of the participants from the initial ‘Couch to Coast’ project.

It was great to see the participants improving their fitness levels and gain the confidence to be able to walk further I now walk 2/3 a week 5-8k each time mainly on coastal paths

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Connecting Actively to Nature (CAN) evaluation of SWCPA projects 2019-2021

Volunteers We engaged with 12 volunteers over the course of these projects. Some were our existing volunteer Path reps who provided valuable support in terms of local knowledge and walk planning, and some were new volunteers who back-marked, took registers and supported members of the group. 5 of these volunteers have gone on to complete Walk leader training.

Thank you Working with local partner organisations was fundamental in this project. Not only in terms of getting to the audiences needed, but also in adding value and knowledge to our activities.

Huge thanks to all those who supported us including:  Devon Birds

 Torre Abbey

 Coastwatch Institute

 Ilfracombe Aquarium

 National Trust (East & North Devon)

 Exmoor National Park

 Liberty Pearl Photography

 Exmouth Lifeboat station

 Wembury Marine Centre

 Local museums in Teignmouth, Appledore and Exmouth

 Northam Burrows Country Park

What next At the end of each walking programme, SWCPA ensured that participants had lots of information about local walks and local walking groups. This lead to some formal walks groups being set up (in Teignmouth and Torbay) as well as informal friends groups being set up (such as in Plymstock, Ilfracombe and Exmouth) to carry on walking together.

SWCPA will be using lessons learnt by this project for future CAN and other programmes for engaging with under-represented users of the South West Coast Path.

About South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA) Since 1973, the SWCPA has been looking after the 630mile South West Coast Path National Trail, protecting it for future generations and promoting it for the enjoyment of everyone.

For further information: Visit www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk for more information.

Connecting Actively to Nature (CAN) evaluation of SWCPA projects 2019-2021

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Participants summed up in 3 words their experience of the Connecting Actively to Nature programme

Fun, informative, inspiring Exercise, friends, nature Pleasurable, comradeship, ongoing walks Fitter & more informed Fantastic, excellent, rewarding Thank you to everyone that took part

South West Coast Path Association Registered charity no: 1163422