Thanks to all the Trustees, National Trail Officers, Trail Partnership Chairs, and partners across the access and protected landscapes sectors who have helped support National Trails UK on this journey. Onwards and upwards!

As the charity moves forward it will be led by Co-Chairs Andy Gattiker and Simon Kearey both of whom are founding Trustees and will be brilliant in steering National Trails UK as it evolves.

It’s been an honour to be part of the journey… from deciding we need a vehicle to strengthen the voice for National Trails, though to establishing a charity, securing funding, developing a strong brand, and setting up a new team to deliver our ambitious business plan.

I now need to give my time to Co-Chairing the World Trails Network and so am stepping down as Chair of NTUK. I will remain a Trustee and will focus on drawing the threads between wider international policy across the World Trails Network and our work over here in the UK.

However, we still need to address equity of access before we can truly call the protected landscapes our Natural Health Service.

blog.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/2024/12/16/7...

The 1949 Act was also hugely important in formalising the Public Rights of Way network and creating National Trails. This incredible network of routes helps connect people to nature.