PEOPLE in Oxford can now be referred for a ‘good walk’ by their GP thanks to a new award.

Oxford Health Walks, which are run by GO Active and Oxford City Council, have been recognised by Walking for Health, a Natural England initiative.

It means healthcare professionals can now refer overweight or people who would benefit for more exercise to join a walking club.

Vicki Galvin, Go Active Co-ordinator, said it was an important way of keeping healthy by using natural resources.

She said: “To have gained accreditation for our Health Walks is a fantastic achievement.

“The walks are a great way to start taking some gentle exercise within a friendly and supportive atmosphere whilst getting out into some of the city’s lovely parks.”

Walking for Health was set up in 2000 as a cost effective way of improving the nation’s health.

Studies by Natural England have shown that people who use the natural environment keep active longer, and adults who become more active halve their risk of dying early from heart disease.

Oxford City Councillor Mark Lygo, Board Member for Sport, Play and School Liaison, said: “It is a great achievement. This accreditation will put Oxford on the map as a healthy city.

“It will also help us to promote the walks and show that we have lots of routes for people to enjoy.”

Walking for Health aims to get more people walking in their own communities, especially those who take little exercise.

The initiative has helped to create 600 local health walk schemes across England and has trained over 40,000 Volunteer Walk Leaders.

Oxford Health Walks was set up in November last year by GO Active and Oxford City Council as a way of getting people in Oxford healthy.

There are about 15 Health Walks in Oxfordshire, with the latest to be set up taking place in Hinksey Park each Wednesday from April 6.

They are all free.

For more information, contact Vicki Galvin, GO Active Co-ordinator on 01865 252720 or visit the Walking for Health website naturalengland.org.uk.