Kate Ashbrook, second from right, and Kate Berridge of Friends of Nutclough Woods, take a walk in the woods on the day Hebden Bridge first celebrated its Walkers Are Welcome status
A leading campaigner is this evening lauding a Pennine town for its pioneer spirit in the outdoors.
Hebden Bridge, in Calderdale, West Yorkshire, was the first to register land as a new green for its community, and also first to gain the Walkers Are Welcome status. Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the Open Spaces Society, was due to speak tonight to a gathering at the town’s Hole in t’Wall pub to celebrate its Walkers Are Welcome weekend.
Ms Ashbrook, former chair of the Ramblers, said: “Steep Fields at Hebden Bridge was registered as a new town green in January 1992, soon after it became possible to do so in August 1990.
“Local residents were extremely astute and moved swiftly to protect this lovely space. With the society’s help they persuaded Calderdale Council to put the land on the greens register, thereby saving it from development.
“Since then we have helped others in and around Hebden Bridge to save their spaces. And we have backed the excellent Friends of Nutclough Woods in their work to manage and maintain this wonderful local woodland.”
Hebden Bridge: 'fascinating history'
She said the former mill town was now a walkers’ haven. “Walkers Are Welcome status ensures that Hebden Bridge, with its spectacular yet intimate countryside, is truly on the walkers’ map,” she said. “There’s a fascinating history, the paths are good, the views are breathtaking, the shops, pubs and cafes are welcoming and there are good public transport links.
“So Hebden Bridge sets an excellent example to other communities. It shows that where local people work together they can make a real difference.
“During the recession, walking remains a popular activity: it is relatively inexpensive and it helps to relieve stress. So Hebden Bridge and the other Walkers Are Welcome Towns are onto a winner.
“It’s never been more important to ensure that paths, green spaces and access land are in good nick, for everyone to enjoy.”
Tonight’s pub event is just one of a series of walks and other activities taking place over the weekend. Details are on the Hebden Bridge Walkers’ Action website.
