Last year, Sustrans Scotland partnered with Girlguiding Scotland as part of their Wander the World celebrations. We caught up with the young people to hear how the National Cycle Network has raised their awareness of the global climate emergency and inspired them to take action.
© Girlguiding Scotland
Wander the World is an annual celebration held by Girlguiding Scotland.
Due to restrictions at the time, 2021’s edition was held virtually.
The celebrations helped the young people build their skills, with a selection of exciting live events, individual activities and fun videos available through their interactive map.
Sustrans Scotland teamed up with Girlguiding Scotland to create activities to get the young people talking about sustainability, climate change and active travel.
Talking about the global climate emergency
Bethany Warburton, Education and Young People Project Officer at Sustrans Scotland, presented several activities during the action-packed day.
During the live-streamed Climate Change Workshop, the young people learned about the environmental impacts of how we choose to travel.
The group discussed how walking, wheeling and cycling can be part of the solution to climate change.
They learned more about the 1,643 miles of National Cycle Network across Scotland.
They also discovered how their local routes can help everyone walk, wheel or cycling for more journeys.
To inspire the young people to explore their local routes, Sustrans created a “Things to do on the National Cycle Network” activity list.
And, to help them keep their bikes in great condition, we shared simple cycle maintenance videos with the group.
The Wander the World interactive map helped the young people learn more about the impact of climate change, and how they can take action.
Helping young people shape their local environment
To top off the activities, Sustrans gave the young people the chance to design a new look for five Millennium Mileposts across the National Cycle Network in Scotland.
There were 14 fabulous entries for the competition.
Five winning designs were selected to be painted on mileposts close to rail stations in:
- Blair Atholl, National Cycle Network Route 7
- Dingwall, National Cycle Network Route 1
- Markinch, National Cycle Network Route 766
- Montrose, National Cycle Network Route 1
- Arbroath, National Cycle Network Route 1
You can find out more about these Millennium Mileposts using our interactive Mileposts map.
Aoife shows off her winning design for the Millennium Milepost at Arbroath Rail Station along National Cycle Network Route 1.
"It makes me feel proud"
Aoife, 1st Kemnay Brownies, met up with Laura White, Network Engagement Coordinator for Volunteering, to help paint her winning design.
Here’s what Aoife had to say about her experience:
"It makes me feel proud because my design was chosen and everyone can see my name on it.
"My Brownie unit are going to go and visit soon.
"It was quite different to painting on paper but it was fun to choose the colours for the fossils.
"I loved getting to paint my name on the bottom too.
"I thought (all of the activities) were interesting and good to know more about the cycle paths, and for Guides to get the chance to have their designs used."
Inspiring climate action
Walking, wheeling and cycling on the National Cycle Network has a huge part to play in helping Scotland reach Net Zero by 2045.
We also need to inspire even more young people to continue talking about the effect how we move around is having on our environment.
You can help us do this.
There are volunteering events you can join throughout the year.
And many other volunteering opportunities for everyone across Scotland,
No matter how big or small the action, these all help to keep the National Cycle Network beautiful for everyone.
They are a great way to discover the great routes on your doorstep with family, friends or colleagues too.
Learn more about your local National Cycle Network routes.
And find out how increasing walking, wheeling and cycling is key in helping Scotland meet its climate targets.
