We’re three months in to the buggy walks so let’s see what’s been happening.
The beginning
It seems a long time ago from that first buggy walk in April. We arrived at Attenborough Nature Reserve and were nervously waiting, hoping that someone would turn up. One by one people started to arrive with their pushchairs and baby carriers. Phew!
Margaret, our volunteer walk leader explained to the group the route we would be taking and that we would alternate between two routes each week, one is around 2.8 k and takes roughly 45 minutes while the other is 4 k and takes around one hour. And off we went. Margaret leading from the front, with other leaders dotted throughout the group to make sure that nobody got left behind.
Since that first walk we’ve been meeting every Monday morning (except bank holidays) for our regular dose of fresh air and exercise. One of the parents recently commented “I always make the effort to come because it’s a lovely way to start the week” and we definitely agree.
What’s a walk like?
We usually average around 15 people a week, but have had as many as 30 and as few as six (the hardcore ones who came despite the forecast of heavy rain!) Some come in groups of friends, while others come on their own. The lovely thing is that everyone is really friendly and nobody gets left out. Some of the mums and dads have made friends and go for a coffee in the nature centre café afterwards. Life with a baby is basically just a series of coffee dates isn’t it? We’ve also set up a Facebook Group for people to keep in touch and share the latest updates.
As with all activities involving babies and young children, they can be unpredictable. But don’t worry, everybody there is in the same boat and completely understand what it’s like when your baby is fighting sleep and cries the whole way, or has a nappy explosion and needs changing on a bench. We’ve all been there and nobody bats an eyelid at the fourth rendition of twinkle twinkle little star, or a mum breastfeeding her baby while walking and having a conversation with a friend (apart from to admire the great multitasking)
Walk leader
As I previously mentioned, we started the buggy walks with a lovely walk leader called Margaret. She’s a very experienced walk leader and had previously lead some buggy walks a few years ago, so she was a massive help in getting the walks started. Sadly, due to other commitments, we said goodbye to Margaret at the end of June. We just want to say “thank you” for all of her help.
We are currently looking for more people to volunteer with us to help us to keep these walks going. If you know of anybody, perhaps a neighbour, friend or relative who could spare an hour a week (or once a fortnight, or once a month) to join us on the walks please ask them to get in touch, or find out more here. No experience is necessary as we can provide training.
See you soon?
Our walks will continue every week, even throughout the summer holidays, and older children are welcome too. There’s plenty of parking available in the car park and the centre is easily accessible via public transport: The Trent Barton Indigo bus service from Nottingham and Derby city centres or Attenborough train station is just a five minute walk away. So why not come and join us soon? There’s no need to book, just turn up at the picnic benches in front of the nature centre ready to walk at 10am and we’ll meet you there.
If you have any questions you can contact us on 0115 9173936 or getactive@lleisure.co.uk
Becci and Chloe
