We are calling all dogs (and their human owners) to take on the challenge of walking 50km or 100km this May.
Today (19 March 2024), we are proud to announce the launch of Fields in Trust's first virtual challenge, targeting Britain’s dog lovers and their furry friends.
Placing Britain’s cherished pooches at the heart of the challenge, Bark For Our Parks is a fun, family-friendly fundraiser that encourages participants and their dogs to walk a total of 50km or 100km in the month of May. It is Field in Trust's first-ever virtual challenge fundraiser which we hope the great British public will get behind to protect green spaces - as once lost, they are lost forever.
Registrations open on 19 March, with the first 1,000 participants receiving a free bandana for their dogs to don whilst taking part.
We’re a nation of dog lovers. Collectively, dog owners spend millions of hours every year walking their dogs in local parks, assuming that they will always be there. Sadly, that’s not the case, and this is why I have been a supporter of Fields in Trust’s work for the last 30 years. We want as many people and their beloved dogs to join the campaign as possible and to be proud of the role they will play in making sure there will always be somewhere to take Phydeaux for a walk.Gyles Brandreth, Vice President and Ambassador, Fields in Trust
Parks can help us tackle some of the big issues of the day right on our doorsteps. From supporting our physical health and mental wellbeing, to providing access to nature and improving the environment, these spaces do so much for our communities. But they are taken for granted. More than 6 million people across the UK live further than a short walk from local park, and access to these places is significantly less in more deprived areas. We believe everyone has a right to green space and that it has never been more important to protect their future.Helen Griffiths, Chief Executive, Fields in Trust
We hope that friends, families, dog walking groups and colleagues will come together and sign up with their furry friends to take part in ‘Bark for Our Parks’ and raise money to help make sure more parks are protected forever.
Since 1925, Fields in Trust has campaigned for better protection of parks and green spaces across the UK at local and national levels. We work with local councils, decision-makers and community groups to advocate for the importance of these spaces for health, wellbeing, and the environment. Over the last 100 years, almost 3,000 spaces have been protected by us, resulting in 14 million people living within a short walk of a park that is protected forever.
Parks have been subject to £350m of budget cuts in the last 10 years and 48% of local councils expect to reduce spending even further in the next financial year. By launching Bark for our Parks, we aim to raise awareness of the challenges faced by these precious everyday spaces and to get those who value them to support their future.
To sign up and take part in the Bark for Our Parks challenge whilst being in with a chance to receive a free doggy bandana, please visit barkforourparks.org.
