As we settle down into Autumn, many of us will be looking forward to atmospheric walks, enjoying the sights and sounds of the changing countryside. But what if you are unable to get ‘out there’ in person, due to disabilities, lack of transport or bad weather?
An innovative idea to bring the countryside to people during lockdown with a series of audio walks might just be the answer, thanks to Harrogate disability and conservation charity Open Country.
The charity, which also has a hub in Wakefield, runs daily activities for people with disabilities; from tandem clubs and adventure activities to conservation work and nature studies. However, during the pandemic, the charity was unable to physically provide those outdoor experiences. And so, the audio walks were born.
Open Country’s audio walks, delivered by countryside activities officer Tom Marsh, are a simple concept created by the charity which helps people with disabilities in Yorkshire to access and enjoy the countryside.
Available to listen to on the website or on YouTube, the much-loved walks take listeners on a gentle sensory journey through some of the county’s best loved and interesting trails – bringing the countryside to your armchair.
Tom, who has worked for Open Country for almost 9 years, said: “During the pandemic, we wanted to be able to keep our members connected, whilst also allowing them to stay connected to the great outdoors.
“With over 50 walks now recorded, we’ve attracted a wider audience of nature lovers who, for whatever reason, can’t get ‘out there’ in person. We’ve even heard from folk now living overseas who tell us how special it is to be transported to a Yorkshire landscape.
Audio walks provide a gentle, almost mindful experience, allowing listeners to escape into new landscapes – or even to revisit familiar ones, from a totally different perspective.
Tom, whose enthusiasm for nature and the countryside shines through, says: “It can be challenging sometimes to keep it different, for example to think of new ways to describe, say, a woodland. I try to create a blend of what I am experiencing, seeing and hearing, with some history and a sense of place.
Tom added: “I think people enjoy listening to the walks so much because you’re connecting with the moment and appreciating the small details. It’s the ultimate escapism for nature lovers. They also provide some inspiration for new places to visit and explore.”
One of Tom’s personal favourites is the Mosaic Trail in Upper Nidderdale, which combines a stunning walk in amazing landscapes with a ‘treasure hunt’ as the walker discovers a series of mosaics depicting local wildlife and heritage.
A new series of walks is currently being created as part of Open Country’s work with Nidderdale National Landscapes’ ‘Access for All’ project.
To listen to one of Tom’s audio walks, which are updated monthly, visit the Open Country website at https://www.opencountry.org.uk/audio-walks/www.opencountry.org.uk or subscribe to Open Country’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@opencountryyorkshire
Recent Comments