Big Wild Walk 2023
Walk for wildlife this autumn
Help protect the wildlife and wild places you love by joining
the Big Wild Walk this autumn!
We’ve got a plan to kickstart nature’s recovery, but it’s not possible without your support. You can make a real difference by fundraising for
The Wildlife Trusts this October.
Tom Ellis
How to take part
1. Decide on your goal. Where will you walk, how much will you raise?
2. Set up your fundraising page using the link below – it’s simple.
3. Tell people about your challenge and encourage them to support you.
4. Take part alone, in a group, with your school, or join one of our organised walks below.
5. Share your success with us and friends using #BigWildWalk and enjoy completing your challenge!
Walks you can join in Staffordshire!
Local walking groups and nature lovers have generously provided this series of walks you can join across Staffordshire from 16th-30th October. We are still finalising some details for a couple of the walks. Please stay tuned!
Set up your fundraising page today, and then find a walk to join below.
Can’t make it? you can plan your own!
Weag's Barn - Tuesday 17 October
A 9.5 mile walk from Waterhouses to Weag’s Barn in the Staffordshire Moorlands.
A midweek special walk through some of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s reserves and learn about them from Rodney, one of our fantastic reserve volunteers. This barnstorming walk from Waterhouses will take in Brown End Quarry, Waterfall and come back via Calton. This full day hike through the moorlands really is set to be a Big Wild Walk.
Arrive 9.45, Start at 10am, Finish around 3.45pm
Meet at Waterhouses Car Park, Earlsway, Waterhouses, ST10 3JS
Grid Ref: SK085501 What Three Words: ///blank.dunk.button
Suitable footwear is essential. Water and pack lunch advised.
Please book a place on this free fundraising walk via the link below.
Walk generously offered by Walk the Moorlands, guided by Rodney Hitch.
More from Walk the Moorlands: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/walk-the-moorlands-upcoming-walks-299489
Froghall Wharf - Thursday 19 October
A 4.5 mile round walk from Froghall Wharf with views across the Churnet Valley.
Walk from the wharf up a slight incline to reach Whiston church for a break with lovely views across the Churnet Valley. Continue across fields and through woods by old railway tracks, before making your way back along the Caldon Canal. Parts of the walk can be a little muddy and there will be some stiles, so you should be able to negotiate these.
Arrive 9.45am, Start at 10am, Finish around lunchtime.
Meet at Froghall Wharf car park next to Hetty's cafe, Foxt Road, Froghall, ST10 2HJ
Grid reference: SK026476 What Three Words: ///unlocking.deals.third
Walking boots are advised. Bring water and snacks for the break.
Walk generously offered by Hanliensian Rambling Club guided by Margaret.
More from the Hanliensian Rambling Club:
Branston Leas & Tucklesholme - Saturday 21 October
A 5 mile circular walk exploring Nature Reserves near Burton in East Staffordshire.
Walk with Lawrence Oates, Shaun Rimmer and Kevin Gaunt through Staffordshire Wildlife Trust Nature Reserves near Burton-upon-Trent. You’ll walk from Branston Leas Nature Reserve to Tucklesholme Nature Reserve. Exploring these connected wetlands with some of the groups that look after these important sites for wildlife.
Arrive 9:45am, Start at 10am, Finish around lunch time.
Meet at the car park of The Riverside Inn, Branston, DE14 3EP
Grid reference:SK226210 What Three Words: ///turns.bronze.crest
Suitable footwear is advised. Water and snacks advised.
Walk generously offered by Burton and District local Staffordshire Wildlife Trust group + Branston Friends of Group
More from Burton and District local Staffordshire Wildlife Trust group:
https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/get-involved/adults/local-groups
Cannock Chase - Sunday 22 October
A 9 mile walk through Cannock Chase, near Rugeley and Stafford.
A walk with the Sutton Coldfield Ramblers exploring the varied and undulating landscape of the Chase and the adjoining Shugborough Estate, mostly on good paths which may be muddy. The Seven Springs car park where it starts is accessed via a narrow track off the A513. If coming from the Rugeley direction, the turning is on the left, approximately one mile past the Wolseley Arms. There are limited facilities en route.
Arrive 9.45am, Start at 10am, Finish around 4pm.
Meet at Seven Springs car park, Meadow Lane, Little Haywood.
Grid reference: SK004205 What Three Words: ///relies.trifling.greyhound
Suitable footwear is essential. Water and pack lunch advised.
If you would like to join this walk, please text Barbara on 07896935429.
Walk generously offered by Sutton Coldfield Ramblers, guided by Barbara and Sharon.
More from Sutton Coldfield Ramblers:
https://suttoncoldfieldramblers.org.uk/w10/
Burton Washlands - Saturday 28 October
A 2 mile guided walk of improvements to the Burton Washlands in East Staffordshire.
A short walk with Lawrence Oates around the Burton Washlands. See and hear about how this floodplain is being enhanced through the Transforming the Trent Valley scheme. Learn about Burton's historical interaction with the Trent and how cattle grazing is now being used as a more natural way of managing the area. The natural management being led by Staffordshire Wildlife Trusts ensures this living landscape is better for wildlife and people.
Arrive 11:45am, Start at 12pm Finish around 2pm.
Meet at Burton Mail Centenary Wood, Free Car Park, Watson Street, DE14 3AH
Grid reference: SK250220 What Three Words: //////socket.scuba.calculating
Suitable footwear is advised. Water and snacks advised.
Walk generously offered by Burton and District local Staffordshire Wildlife Trust group
More from Burton and District local Staffordshire Wildlife Trust group:
https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/get-involved/adults/local-groups
Dim the Lights at Dimmingsdale - Sunday 29 October
A 4 mile walk from Oakamoor to Dimmingsdale in the Staffordshire Moorlands.
A Sunday saunter with Liz Rhodes. A pleasant walk from Oakamoor along the former rail track and cross the River Churnet to Dimmingsdale and Ousal Dale. We follow well defined paths with some inclines to enjoy the autumn colours of this attractive woodland.
Arrive 10.15, Start at 10.30, Finish at Lunch time.
Meet at Oakamoor Car Park, Churnet View Road, ST10 3AE.
Grid Ref: SK053 447 What Three Words: ///sunflower.flanked.centrally
Sturdy footwear advised. Water and snacks advised.
Walk generously offered by Walk the Moorlands, guided by Liz Rhodes.
More from Walk the Moorlands: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/walk-the-moorlands-upcoming-walks-299489 or
The Roaches & Black Brook - Sunday 29 October
An 8.7 mile circular walk from the Roaches through the Staffordshire Moorlands.
A moderate going walk with Derek Lowe. From Roaches gate passing Goldstitch Moss, Flash Bottom, Black Brook Nature Reserve and Ramshaw rocks. With a 368m elevation this walk is almost entirely off road with some steepish climbs and variable surfaces underfoot including boggy areas. The walk will have a 10-minute drinks stop approximately one-third of the way round and a 20-minute lunch stop about two-thirds of the way round
Arrive 9.15am, Start at 9.30am, Finish at 2.30/3pm
Meet at Main Roaches gate, Roach Road; ST13 8UB
Grid Reference : SK 004 621 what3words: passively.sunblock.airless.
Sturdy waterproof footwear advised. Bring water and lunch. Park in approved areas.
Walk generously offered by Biddulph Ramblers; guided by Derek Lowe.
More from Biddulph Ramblers, check their website for updates: https://www.biddulphramblers.org.uk/walking-routes/our-routes-for-2023.html or/and https://www.biddulphramblers.org.uk/our-walks.html
Mark Hamblin
More ways to walk
There’s so many places to enjoy wildlife in Staffordshire, here are links to some walking guides on our reserves and areas we've delivered project work. There's also a walking app you can use free for one month. Plus, guides for taking part with your family, school, or business.
*in partnership with Timmy Time !
Don’t forget to share your walk on social media!
It’s important to share your fundraising page with friends and family. It’s a great idea to send them a personal message on e-mail or whatsapp to let them know of your goals. But why not share your Big Wild Walk on social media too?
We'd love to hear from you!
Use the #BigWildWalk and tag us:
Twitter / X: @StaffsWildlife
Facebook @StaffsWildlife
Instagram @staffswt
TikTok @staffswildlifetrust On LinkedIn @staffordshire-wildlife-trust
Ben Hall
More Ways to Fundraise
There are so many ways to fundraise for wildlife this autumn. Cycle, swim, or hike for wildlife in Staffordshire. Download our fundraising pack today for top tips on becoming a wild fundraiser.