Check out the National Forest Walking Festival 18-30 May 2013

The Ramblers is dedicated to protecting footpaths and other places to which the public has a right of way or access on foot, defending the beauty of the countryside and promoting walking for all. It has more than 140,000 members in 54 Areas and over 450 local groups.

Derby & South Derbyshire are one of the groups within the Derbyshire Area.

	The Derbyshire Area of the Ramblers covers most of Derbyshire, including some of the Peak District National Park. Derbyshire Area has more than 1700 members in four local groups. They are are Amber Valley, Derbyshire Dales, Derby & South Derbyshire and Erewash. In addition the Notts & Derby Walking Group caters for people in their 20s and 30s throughout the Derbyshire and Nottingham. Campaigning work: The Association works tirelessly defending and promoting access for walkers and was at the forefront of the implementation of The Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act.  The next great cause is for coastal access: the right to walk along beaches, clifftops and foreshore.
Derby & South Derbyshire Group
	Walks we organise walks each year for our members. Visitors from other areas and anyone interested in walking and the Ramblers’ Association are welcome to join us on these walks. Non members are expected to join after 3 walks. See Future Walks. Campaigns : ...  we have a dedicated footpath warden and a team of parish wardens to ensure local paths are usable and rights of way are protected. Report Footpath Problems   You can join the Ramblers’ Association online.

The tragic news about Ash dieback reaching Britain need not stop people from enjoying a woodland walk this autumn.

“Walkers, who often know their local woodland well, can play an important role in identifying trees which they suspect might be infected and reporting them to the Forestry Commission.”

Suspected cases of the disease can be reported directly to the Forestry Commission at http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara

The advice which the Ramblers gives to walkers is:

• Always follow the information and advice on any official signs at sites affected by Ash dieback to avoid accidentally spreading the disease.
• Learn how to spot signs of the disease – guidance can be found at http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara
• Look out for signs on ash trees where you are walking
• Report any suspicion of infected trees to the Forestry Commission immediately