How you can take part in the Big Wild Walk 2022

The Wildlife Trust’s Big Wild Walk 2022 fundraising event is coming up. We recently caught up with Surrey Wildlife Trust Engagement and Conservation Officer Ross, who is taking part this year.

What’s your role at Surrey WT and how long have you been with us?

I joined Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT)’s Estates Team in April 2017, co-ordinating and delivering habitat management and grazing-related works across SWT’s 7000-hectare countryside estate, through both volunteer works parties and staff-led task days. In March 2022, I made the leap over to our Education team, and now work within the Wilder Schools programme, heading into Surrey schools and helping to develop both their grounds for biodiversity, and their outdoor learning opportunities.

Why did you choose to join the Surrey Wildlife Trust team?

Job satisfaction for me comes from two things; getting outside into nature, and sharing its wonders with others. The Wildlife Trusts can only succeed in their mission for nature’s recovery if we can inspire as many people as possible to take action for nature in their homes, schools and communities.

What is the Big Wild Walk campaign and how are you taking part?

The #BigWildWalk is The Wildlife Trusts’ call to nature lovers, wildlife walkers and climate heroes to strap up their walking boots and help the Trusts see at least 30% of our land and sea protected and connected for nature by 2030. Between Monday 24th October and Sunday 30th October 2022, everyone is being encouraged to get outside and walk 30km. You can walk it all in one day, three days, seven days, or set your own goal entirely! Those with younger children can instead attempt the Hedgehog Challenge, walking 3km with their little ones - the same distance a hedgehog can cover in one night.

To register for your Big Wild Hike, visit www.wildlifetrusts.org/bigwildwalk.

For my own Big Wild Walk, on 30th October 2022 I'll be hiking 30 miles (48km) from SWT's Bay Pond Nature Hub in Godstone to their newest community nature reserve, Pewley Down Meadows in Guildford.

My route will follow the North Downs Way National Trail through the breath-taking Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, taking in iconic local landmarks including Box Hill and Newlands Corner.

I’ll be providing updates on the day on the Surrey Wildlife Trust Instagram (@surreywildlifetrust), so keep an eye out!

What inspired you to join this year?

As well as my work in nature conservation, I’m also a qualified outdoor instructor and enthusiastic hiker, having completed my own Surrey Three Peaks, the Skye Trail, the Yorkshire and National Three Peaks, the Two Moors Way and in April/May 2013, the entire 630-mile South West Coast Path. What better way to support The Wildlife Trusts in their #30by30 mission than a big stomp through beautiful countryside!

What are your top tips for the Big Wild Walk?

Layers! Appropriate layering will help keep you comfortable and safe whatever the weather. Wear a ‘wicking’ layer next to your skin to help shed sweat, a warm base layer if there’s a breeze, and ensure you’ve got suitable waterproofs for any showers.

Snacks! Slow-release options are better than a sharp sugar high; think dried fruit and cereal bars. Chocolate-coated peanuts give the best of both worlds!

Blisters! Unless you’re on your feet all-day-every-day, blisters are a likely outcome of a Big Wild Walk.
Avoid discomfort by bringing a fresh pair of socks for the halfway point of your walk, and a packet of blister plasters… stick these on as soon as you feel a ‘hot-spot’ developing.

Summarise in 3 words how you feel about taking part in this fundraiser?

Buoyant, willing, wonderful!

What are you most looking forward to on the day?

The North Downs escarpment catches our prevailing South-Westerlies and throws them high into the atmosphere, creating updrafts that raptors love. I’m hoping for a good bird day, with fingers crossed for Ravens, Peregrine Falcons and Red Kites.