A major new campaign has launched to encourage young people to 'go out out' and escape city life by exploring the South East's protected landscapes on public transport.
The high-profile campaign features eye-catching posters at major train stations and on buses across the South East and aims to entice young people out of busy urban areas to discover the 'breathing spaces' of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks. The campaign comes as research shows millions of people in the UK do not have access to green space.
The contemporary posters are inspired by the vintage posters of the 1930s when city folk would head into the countryside on trains and buses for long walks. Almost 90 years on, the vivid colours and bold style of the artwork are aimed at a new generation of urban dwellers, encouraging them to connect with the breathtaking countryside within easy reach. The campaign gives a new meaning to the phrase 'going out out' - rather than a night out on the town, it's about getting away from it all into nature and the great outdoors.
Gerry Sherwin, Business Manager of the High Weald AONB said: “The High Weald landscape is a beautiful, green place with stunning scenery. With almost three times the national average woodland cover, it's one of the most densely wooded landscapes in England. We want people to come here by public transport to explore our historic landscape. Our green spaces and wildlife-rich AONBs have been shown to be beneficial for well-being."
“The message is that it’s easy to get to the High Weald by train or bus. There's plenty to see and do, with water sports, rock climbing, cycle and walking routes, historic buildings, steam railways, wildlife-watching and characterful pubs and cafes."
“With 2019 being the 70th anniversary of the legislation that created AONBs, this is the perfect time to encourage visitors to come to these special places that have been protected for all the nation.”
The campaign is being spearheaded by a partnership of the South East’s protected landscapes – the High Weald, Surrey Hills, Chichester Harbour, and Kent Downs AONBs and the South Downs National Park.
Public transport operators have joined forces to promote the campaign including South Eastern Railway and Southern, South Western, Great Western Railway, Metrobus, Stagecoach and Brighton and Hove Buses. The initiative is also backed by Julian Glover, who led the Government review aimed at making England’s protected landscapes fit for the future.
More information:
- Our web page on exploring the High Weald by rail and bus from London.
- The High Weald Walking Festival in September is a great reason to come to the High Weald with a host of free guided walks on offer with fascinating themes.
- Sussex's traditional bonfire celebrations - another thrilling reason to visit the High Weald area in autumn!
- As well as inspiring young people from urban areas to enjoy the High Weald, we also encourage schoolchildren to do so, with our Welly Walks: short, circular walks from local primary schools.