Julian Gray

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.

Over the past five years it’s been an absolute pleasure helping to establish and then take on the role of founding Chair of National Trails UK. The Charity has a clear strategy, amazing Board and team to help champion our Trails and their value in connecting people to nature.

75 years of our Natural Health Service This December we’re celebrating the 75th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act. Back in 1949 this was ground-breaking legislation laying the foundations to protect and…

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.

Today marks the 75th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act. Many colleagues have posted about the importance of this legislation in establishing National Parks and National Landscapes.

Really looking forward to the Salt Path film. @raynorwinn.bsky.social story articulates the transformative power of trails.

To have Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs playing Raynor and Moth is icing on the cake :)

#saltpath #connecttonature #swcoastpath

Over 270 organizations have signed an open letter calling for national governments at #COP29 to include walking and cycling in their climate commitments.
#Trails can provide opportunities for #ActiveTravel whilst connecting people to nature:
pathforwalkingcycling.com/cop29-letter...