YOU SAID: You wanted more walking and running routes marked around campus.

WE DID THIS…

Six waymarked walking and running routes are now available to staff, students and the local community, so people can enjoy UEA’s 360-acre campus grounds.

Thousands of people already use the UEA’s grounds for a stroll, to walk their dogs, and to get out and run each year, and the new routes link up Earlham Park with areas of the campus like the rose garden, rockery and the Sainsbury Centre’s sculpture trail.

The first trail, the green route was launched in October 2019 and now all six routes, which cover different distances are available to follow.

Each explores areas home to around 5,790 different species of plant and animal, including 127 which are endangered.

Adam Garford, Head of Sport and Physical Activity Development at UEA, who is behind the initiative, said: “We’re extremely lucky to have a beautiful campus with wide open spaces, forest area, a river and even our very own broad. We hope this will not only inspire staff and students, but also local people in Norwich and beyond.”

The news comes after a survey of students and staff revealed that one in three people wanted more walking and running routes marked around campus.

“I’m someone that appreciates having time to myself amidst a very active and busy lifestyle and walking is always a great way for me to tune out and find ‘calm in the crazy’.” said third year psychology student Shakila Omar, when asked about the initiative. “Although the UEA campus is a very concrete structure, it is nestled amongst beautiful nature and being able to take movement breaks within this space between my hectic schedule is brilliant.”

The introduction of the routes are down to Active Campus;  an initiative designed to encourage students to look after their wellbeing and stay physically active whilst at University by exploring more of the UEA’s green space.

UEA’s Dr Sarah Hanson who is an expert on the benefits of walking, said: “Walking in green spaces is one of the ‘best buys’ in terms of helping your mental and physical health. It is especially good if you walk with others, helping with the social isolation that people of all ages are increasingly feeling.”

For more information on the waymarked routes around campus visit our Active Campus page.