In South Derbyshire, we’ll try anything to help people get healthier. Even putting walks on beer mats.

Funded by The National Forest Company, the walks on beer mats idea is the brainchild of Vicky Smyth, Assistant Development Manager of Get Active in The Forest

Says Cllr John Lemmon of the Get Active in The Forest Partnership, “Vicky has come up with a highly original idea. Ramblers enjoy pub walks as they offer somewhere to eat or drink on their treks. In South Derbyshire, through the National Lottery Award nominated Get Active in The Forest scheme, we try to encourage people who might not be so keen on exercise to get healthy in our magnificent environment. Vicky has created an easy walk in Castle Gresley near Swadlincote from the Mount Pleasant public house across fields and way marked footpaths to the White Lion Inn and then the Drum and Monkey. You don’t need to have an alcoholic drink at the pubs. If you feel thirsty you can always have a healthy fruit juice.

“Our aim is to improve the health of the community, which is one of the themes of South Derbyshire District Council’s Corporate Plan. The beer mats make it easy for local people to take a walk and we might also attract walkers from outside our District. If they call in one of these pubs, which are close to the busy A444 which connects with the M42, they can pick up a beer mat and take time to enjoy The National Forest area. It beats taking a break on the motorway services.”

The walks go through the Forestry Commission’s Tunnel Wood and the Woodland Trust’s Foxley Wood.

The beer mats are available at the three pubs and also from Vicky Smyth by calling 01283 563483 or by emailing Vicky.smyth@south-derbys.gov.uk