Walking, such a simple activity that is often taken for granted or seen as a ‘chore’, has become a saving grace for many of us over lockdown. In a time where one of the only legal reasons to leave your house was to walk around the block or through fields, many have taken this time to improve their fitness, bond with their family, clear their mind, or catch up with a friend.
Just 30 minutes of walking every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, and boost endurance. As a result, walking improves both physical and mental health and has been a vital source of escapism for many.
However, as rural walks and secret spots have been inundated with walkers both new and old, inevitably, problems have arisen. The most prevalent, and fatal, has been lockdown walkers feeding livestock. One owner of a foal that died due to lockdown walkers feeding it said she had been finding various food like pasta, foil-wrapped sandwiches, and potatoes "daily" in her horses' field. This ultimately contributed to his death. When you’re next out walking, please adhere to the countryside code and do not feed livestock without permission from the owner.
Written by Coco Clelland
Artwork by Zara Masood
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