Across the UK, all 46 Wildlife Trusts are challenging nature lovers to join the Big Wild Walk this October and raise money to help protect Britain’s wild places.

Funds raised will contribute towards The Wildlife Trusts’ goal of protecting and connecting 30% of the UK’s land and sea for nature by 2030.

In this region, Northumberland Wildlife Trust is undertaking a raft of projects to reverse alarming declines in wildlife and tackle the climate crisis - from restoring peatlands and re-wildling its 325-hectare West Chevington site at Druridge Bay for climate change to protecting red squirrels and reintroducing water voles into the waterways of Northumberland.

The wildlife has over 60 nature reserves in Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside, many of which have great walking routes. From coastal, wetland and upland, to river, stream and urban reserves, there really is something to suite everybody’s fitness levels and walking enthusiasm. To find out more visit: www.nwt.org.uk/reserves   

Between, Monday 24 and Sunday 30 October, participants can create their own challenge, or use the number 30 as inspiration to:

• Walk 30 minutes every day during the Big Wild Walk Week
• Walk 30 km in three days
• Walk 30 km in one day

Children can try the Hedgehog Challenge to walk 3km - the same distance a hedgehog can cover in a night.

The Wildlife Trusts’ supporters, Maddie Moate and Iolo Williams, who are known for championing nature and wildlife on television, are backing this year’s challenge.

Iolo, wildlife TV presenter, author and Vice-President of The Wildlife Trusts, says:

“Autumn is a brilliant time to get outside, enjoy a little adventure and marvel at the wonder of our natural world. Best of all, by signing up to the Big Wild Walk you can help nature too. Public support is crucial for getting projects off the ground that protect, create, and restore precious wild places. I hope many of you can join us in October.”

Mike Pratt, Northumberland Wildlife Trust Chief Executive says:

“The impacts of climate change mean we need to take action to help nature more than ever before. By getting involved in the Big Wild Walk, you can support us to protect our rivers, meadows, forests, and seas - and the precious wildlife that depends on them. Make it a personal challenge, a family day out, an opportunity to spend time with friends, or simply to take a stand for nature!”

To sign up, visit wildlifetrusts.org/bigwildwalk