Our Mission
We undertake a programme of walks for our members and others to take part in and enjoy. If during these walks participants find issues of environmental degradation they are encouraged to report them to the relevant authorities.areas, by undertaking a programme of walks in which our members look out for issues of environmental degradation and report them to the relevant authorities.
How we started
Environment Bromley (EnBro) was founded by the late Philip Daniell in August 1980, from members of the Bromley District Consumers’ Group, to give a higher profile to issues of footpaths and rural conservation. Philip had been a footpaths officer for the Consumer Group for over 20 years. A management committee was set up in September 1980 and in the financial year 1981-82 Bromley Council agreed to lend us £1,000 to fund our work, which involved publication of a newsletter and insurance for our members taking part in footpath clearance.
Over the years EnBro’s primary function became that of a walking group.
EnBro today
EnBro as a walking group, currently has a membership of around 660 – and growing.
We have an active social media presence via Facebook and WhatsApp which members are welcome to join and contribute.
A gradually increasing number of walks leaders undertake over 90 separate organised walks each quarter.
There are walks on almost each weekday and some at weekends. All of these are included in the EnBro membership fee, currently £7 per annum.
Walks are varied and usually fully described in the quarterly brochure (e.g. meeting time and location, distance and terrain to be covered, transport links and refreshment opportunities).
The areas the walks take place
- Central London
- Bromley and adjacent Boroughs
- Country walks around Kent and other Home Counties
Many of these include informative talks, and visits to special places of interest.
Distances vary
- Can be short walks of 2 to 3 miles
- Medium range walks of 3 to 6 mikes
- Longer walks of 10 miles or more
So, there will be something for anyone and everyone.
The NHS recommends walking as one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier. “Walking in a group is a great way to start, walking, make new friends and stay motivated”. Most walks end with an opportunity to socialise. At our monthly informal social events members can meet together, discuss walks undertaken and help plan for the future.
The walks also have a health benefit. The Institute of Sports Medicine have stated that country walks can be as big a health benefit as jogging or working out at the gym. So, not only do we offer our members a chance to protect the environment but also to promote their own health and well-being.
Socials
Our walks also allow opportunities to meet new people and establish contacts that can enhance our campaign work.
We hold monthly informal social events where we can compare notes on issues affecting us and our neighbours. It is a chance for all of us to share new ideas and outlooks without forgetting our traditions.
Each of our organised walks ends with an opportunity for participants to socialise and to discuss any matters that they have encountered on their way, and our walk leaders pass on their concerns for our committee to take forward. It also gives us a chance to reach out to new prospective members and to enhance the work of our organisation.