17 Aug Becky Bettesworth launches 60 at 60 walking challenge

Devon artist Becky Bettesworth has  launched  South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’s   60^th anniversary programme fundraising initiative  at Berry Head Nature Reserve  Brixham.

The protected landscape was designated on 2^nd August 1960 and will celebrate its anniversary through a wide ranging programme including  60 at 60 – to help Young Carers  in Devon  get out and enjoy activities on and near the fabulous coastline between Berry Head near Brixham and Jennycliff near Plymouth.

Becky  Bettesworth Commented ““ I am thrilled to  officially launch the National Landscapes  campaign encouraging more people to walk the S W  Coast Path raising money for this fantastic cause. The initiative will benefit both the fund raisers and the young carers as spending time outside in this special landscape is so beneficial to mental  and physical wellbeing especially after the recent months of lockdown. It is a privilege to be celebrating and promoting this special landscape which gives me inspiration for my artwork every day”

South Devon National Landscape is asking people to get sponsored to walk the 60 miles of the South West Coast Path in the National Landscape in its 60^th year between now and the end of April 2021. They can do this in several  stages as a family, team of friends  or as an individual.  For further information on how to sign up for the challenge please go to https://www.southdevon-nl.org.uk/60at60/

The  fundraising is to take 60 young carers for days out on the beautiful coast of South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty during June and July 2021 to picnic, explore, play and have a go at activities including canoeing, surfing and snorkelling.  They will have a wonderful day making brilliant memories, as a recognition for the amazing work they do for their families. The Unit will  be working with Devon Young Carers and local outdoor activity organisations, as well as the South West Coast Path 

Liz Smith Manager of Devon Young Carers said “Young carers in Devon may live near coastal paths, beaches and beautiful countryside but are often unable to access these due to their caring role.  Many families do not have transport or are unable due to mobility to access these areas all around us.  Furthermore many young carers don’t know these exist due to their isolation so wouldn’t know to ask to visit.  With this in mind it would be an amazing opportunity to be able to offer young carers a chance to have a break from their caring role in an National Landscape, to walk, to talk, to admire the views and just to be.  Given these difficult times many young carers have become more isolated and as a service Devon Young Carers would like to help reduce this isolation and offer young carers the chance to access activities on offer.”

Walks can be done as part of a team or individual , walking sections or the whole 60 miles.  Download walks from the National Landscape walks pages or you can see sections on the South West Coast Path website.  You can set up your own fundraising page or pay your donations in through our 60 at 60 team one.  Just Giving South Devon 60at60 .    All of the funds raised will be used to take the Young Carers out on their Coastal fun days.

The National Landscape team along with members of the South West Coast Path Team and volunteers have already walking the first five miles from Elberry Common to Berry Head.  Roger English  Manger of The South Devon National Landscape Unit commented “The 60 miles of Coast Path in South Devon National Landscape is a glorious part of our designated National Landscape. We hope that lots of people are inspired to join us in raising money for this fantastic cause whilst appreciating some of the most iconic views in the land.”