EPIKS has been working for over 20 years with volunteers, businesses and community groups to create green routes so that people can spend time in nature close to where they live. We think the riversides, canals and greenways of Kirklees are the ideal place to nurture nature and travel to work, school or for pleasure. We've opened up pathways along rivers, through woodlands and across meadows, picked up litter, cleaned up graffiti and installed waymarkers so people know where to go. This year, we've branched out by helping people to walk, use wheelchairs and cyle more. With your help we can keep up the momentum of maintaining paths, boosting biodiversity and getting people moving without the need for a car. In this phase of the project we will be focusing on the traffic free- paths that follow the River Colne around Huddersfield.

What we'll deliver:

• Keep 5 km of waking and cycling routes free from vegetation and litter
• Work with partners to keep our paths and greenspaces cleaner
• Provide support and advice for people who want to walk, wheel and cycle more
• Run regular volunteer work parties so that people can take action for their local area, learn skills and make friends
• Improve and create habitats for nature and wildlife recovery

Why it's a great idea:

At EPIKS we're concerned about threats to wildlife and our heritage. We know that we need to find different ways to travel than using the car. We think that improving access and nature in our valleys is an ideal solution to the climate crisis, tackling ill health and inequality. Your support will help to keep 5km of routes around Huddersfield free from vegetation and litter. We'll repair damage to paths, give people the advice and support they need to find local walking, cycling and wheeling groups and services local to them through our dedicated Walk Wheel Ride website. We'll work to improve links to paths so that routes connect up and can be used by more people. We'll spread the word about how climate- friendly solutions like Green Routes Kirklees are good value and a real investment for future generations.

Steps to get it done:

• 5km of paths cleared of rubbish and encroaching vegetation
• 250 bags of rubbish removed
• 1,000 people given advice on walking, wheeling and cycling opportunities in local greenspace
• 100 volunteers involved

Sponsoring Green Routes Kirklees is a great way to help with our work, but it doesn't stop there! Get in touch and we can offer days out with us where you can get stuck in with our volunteering programme or maybe take a walk or try an e-bike with us.