Wild About Wakefield

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Wakefield Project

by Brian O'Grady | May 18, 2017 |

After a very successful pilot project, we are very grateful to gain National Lottery Community Fund backing to continue and grow our Wild about Wakefield work. We will be using the three-year Lottery funding, totaling almost £300,000, to help build our activities in Wakefield, including new staff employment. The new roles will include a full-time Countryside Activities Officer (developing our Walking, Wild Things and Weekend Outings groups), part-time Countryside Activities Officer (developing our Adapted Cycling, Adventure and Trailblazer groups) and part-time Support Officer (carrying out important office admin work to help our activities blossom). For more information on these new job posts or how to apply, email Ella on wakefield@opencountry.org.uk or ring 07426 71677. Please note that the deadline for all job applications is 5pm on 31st May 2022. #OutThereTogether

Our ‘Wild about Wakefield’ project is an important and successful recent extension of our work. The project aims to help people with disabilities in Wakefield District access the countryside.

Working from Thornes Park, just south of the centre, we run evening tandem rides, a weekday walking group and regular nature conservation projects. We also organise wheelchair outings and are developing an adventure club and producing countryside access information.

Working with Wakefield District Cycle Forum on a new path near Nostell

Enjoy a sunny stroll at our 'Wild about Wakefield' launch

Watching sheep racing at Cannon Hall farm

We built Swift City... on rock 'n' roll!

We made it to the top of Rabbit Ings Country Park!

Walking at Langsett Reservoir with new friends

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Enjoying the animal talks at Cannon Hall Farm

Click on the photo to open the gallery to see what exciting activities we’ve been up to in Wakefield!

Watch the video to find out what the Wakefield gang have been up to.

Recent activities have included tree planting, skydiving, butterfly counting, canoeing, duck racing and plenty of tandem cycling! If you would like to join in the fun, either as a disabled participant or by helping out as a volunteer, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Ella on her work mobile, 07426 716677, or at the Open Country office on (01423) 507227, you can also email us at Wakefield@opencountry.org.uk.

We are also looking to recruit a new Trustee to help guide and govern our Wild About Wakefield project. We’re looking for a candidate who has a good knowledge of Wakefield, its people, geography, challenges and opportunities and someone who can help us to develop our offering in the district. Click here for more information.

Wakefield Countryside Directory

At Open Country we know how difficult it can be for people with disabilities and their carers to obtain information about visiting the countryside. Our latest Countryside Directory covers Wakefield District and is available to download below. Check out our other regional Directories on the Countryside Access Directories page.

Wakefield Countryside Directory for People with Disabilities

Download now!

Four people sittong on a bench with woodland behind.

Taking a break on a walk on the Lake District Residential Trip in 2019

Finding out about Open Country has introduced a whole new world to me and has also helped me to be more accepting of and open about my own disability rather than hiding behind it. It has been inspiring to be around other visually impaired people with whom I can share experiences. I have always found being out in the countryside really relaxing and soothing. However difficult a week I may have had, I always forget my worries whilst taking in the magic of nature.

Aisha

Wakefield Member

When you are tandeming along a country lane with someone on the back whooping and cheering through sheer excitement from being on the bike, when you have the joyful sounds from another as he serenades you from the rear and when someone else tells you he wants to buy his own tandem as he loves it so much, you can’t buy that feeling of wellbeing and the warm glow and sweat satisfaction you receive from being a volunteer!

Jo

Wakefield Volunteer