What is The Don’t Lose Your Way campaign?

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If you’re an avid hiker or walker in the UK, you’ve likely heard of The Don’t Lose Your Way campaign. This project, launched by the Ramblers and supported by Ordnance Survey and a range of other organizations, is aimed at protecting and preserving the UK’s historic pathways. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at The Don’t Lose Your Way campaign, its goals, and how you can get involved.

What is The Don’t Lose Your Way Campaign?

The Don’t Lose Your Way campaign is a project aimed at protecting and preserving the UK’s historic pathways. These pathways include public rights of way, such as footpaths and bridleways, as well as other historic routes, such as old drove roads and green lanes. Many of these pathways have been in use for centuries and are an important part of the UK’s heritage.

The goal of The Don’t Lose Your Way campaign is to identify and map all of these historic pathways, ensuring that they are properly recorded and protected for future generations. The project is also aimed at promoting the use of these pathways, encouraging more people to get out and explore the UK’s countryside.

Why is The Don’t Lose Your Way Campaign Important?

There are several reasons why The Don’t Lose Your Way campaign is important. First and foremost, these pathways are an important part of the UK’s heritage. Many of them have been in use for centuries, providing vital links between communities and enabling people to travel across the country.

However, many of these pathways are at risk of being lost. They may be neglected or forgotten, or they may be obstructed by new developments or other barriers. By identifying and mapping these pathways, The Don’t Lose Your Way campaign is working to ensure that they are properly protected and preserved for future generations.

In addition to their historical significance, these pathways are also an important resource for walkers and hikers. They provide access to some of the UK’s most beautiful and remote landscapes, allowing people to connect with nature and get some exercise at the same time. By promoting the use of these pathways, The Don’t Lose Your Way campaign is helping to encourage more people to get out and explore the UK’s countryside.

How Does The Don’t Lose Your Way Campaign Work?

The Don’t Lose Your Way campaign works by identifying and mapping historic pathways across the UK. This is done through a combination of research and fieldwork, with volunteers and local groups playing a key role in the process.

Once a pathway has been identified and mapped, it is recorded on a database and made available to the public through an online map. This map allows people to explore the UK’s historic pathways, learn more about their history, and plan their own walks and hikes.

The Don’t Lose Your Way campaign also works to promote the use of these pathways through a range of initiatives and events. This includes guided walks and talks, as well as partnerships with other organizations, such as the National Trust and the British Mountaineering Council.

How Can You Get Involved in The Don’t Lose Your Way Campaign?

If you’re interested in supporting The Don’t Lose Your Way campaign, there are several ways to get involved. Here are just a few ideas:

1. Volunteer: The Don’t Lose Your Way campaign relies on volunteers to help identify and map historic pathways. If you’re interested in getting involved, you can contact the Ramblers or a local walking group to find out how you can help.
2. Walk or Hike: By using and promoting the use of historic pathways, you can help to raise awareness of their importance and support the campaign’s goals. Consider planning your own walk or hike along one of the UK’s historic pathways and sharing your experience on social media.
3. Donate: If you’re unable to volunteer or participate in a walk or hike, you can still support the campaign by making a donation. The Ramblers accepts donations through its website, which go towards supporting the campaign and other projects aimed at protecting and promoting access to the UK’s countryside.

See more at The Ramblers website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the Ramblers?

The Ramblers is a UK-based charity that promotes walking and protects the rights of way for walkers. It is the organization that launched The Don’t Lose Your Way campaign.

How can I access the online map of historic pathways?

You can access the online map of historic pathways by visiting the Ramblers website and navigating to the Don’t Lose Your Way campaign page.

Can I add a pathway to the database?

Yes, if you have information about a historic pathway that is not currently included in the database, you can contact the Ramblers to provide the information and help to add it to the database.

What happens to pathways that are identified through the campaign?

Pathways that are identified and mapped through the campaign are recorded on a database and made available to the public through the online map. They are also used to inform the work of local authorities and other organizations responsible for managing rights of way.

Conclusion – what is the Don’t Lose Your Way Campaign?

The Don’t Lose Your Way campaign is an important project aimed at protecting and preserving the UK’s historic pathways. By identifying and mapping these pathways, the campaign is working to ensure that they are properly recorded and protected for future generations. The campaign also promotes the use of these pathways, encouraging more people to get out and explore the UK’s countryside. If you’re interested in supporting the campaign, there are several ways to get involved, from volunteering to donating or simply walking or hiking along one of the historic pathways.