Dear All,

I'm sure those of you that have joined a social walk since lock-down have really appreciated the efforts of our wonderful walk leaders. Now we hope to move a little closer to normality and plan some more walks.

You will have heard from the LDWA that Sport England has now approved an increase in numbers on LDWA social walks to a maximum of 30, provided a COVID-19 risk assessment is completed. Whilst this may seem very bureaucratic and onerous, the form is really only recording the types of things we all take into consideration anyway. I would urge walk leaders to take a look and consider completing the form if they think the walk could safely accommodate more than 6 people. The form can be viewed here:

https://ldwa.org.uk/website/downloads/toolkit/COVID-19_Social_walks_risk_assessment_and_rules_v2_0.pdf

If you prefer to keep the walk to a maximum of 6 people, there is no need to complete the risk assessment. Many of our members have expressed the view that 30 is too large a number for the walking conditions in Dorset, so do bear in mind that setting the number too high may mean fewer people will want to attend.

We are please to be able to welcome back LDWA members from other groups, as well as potential new members, and to enable them to access the information, new walks will now be advertised on the Dorset LDWA website as well as the national website. 

The following points still apply:

• all walks will remain as bookable events
• we will advertise the maximum number on each walk (so individuals can assess their own risk)
• walkers must not attend LDWA social walks if they or a member of their permitted ‘bubble’ has recently been diagnosed with or show any Covid-19 symptoms, are awaiting test results or are self-isolating under current Government guidance.
• walkers must not car share unless they are from the same household or part of a permitted ‘bubble’ from another household.
• social distancing must apply where practicable throughout the walk between fellow walkers and members of the public.
• walkers must carry an appropriate hand sanitiser, a face covering and a small first aid kit.
• the walk leader must return any completed risk assessments straight after the walk, together with the names of attendees

We now need to plan a programme of walks from October onwards, and if possible, it would be good to have at least one walk each weekend, with a good mix of start locations. So if you could lead a walk in the autumn, please take a look at the current programme: https://ldwa.org.uk/Dorset/E/0/future-events-list.html

Then choose a date, and send me the details including maximum number of participants and a means of contact for booking.

I will send an editable version of the risk assessment if applicable. Send details to: dorset.ldwa.walks@gmail.com

Many thanks and hope to see many of you soon,

Anne Brown

Dorset LDWA Walks Secretary

dorset.ldwa.walks@gmail.com

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