2020 has been a strange year for all of us. Who could have imagined that phrases like lockdown, social distancing and remember your face mask would enter our day to day vocabulary. Many of us have been left feeling isolated and alone, and we know it has been a trying time for many of us. With the colder months on their way, for many, it may get worse before it gets better.

We need to be looking out for each other more than ever, and many of us know a neighbour, friend or family member who will struggle over the coming months. But, we can tackle this together, showing the true spirit of our community.

Weve launched the Miles 4 Smiles campaign, and we need you to pledge to walk 30, 60, 90, 120 miles (or more!) for the month of November, while raising much-needed funds for the Hollingbourne Meadows Trust, the Green Lungs of Hollingbourne, all while promoting a Happy Heart, Healthy Head.

We want EVERYONE involved, young and old, to achieve your own personal goal. Lets work together to enjoy and protect our beautiful countryside.

Covid 19 and the Meadows

During the peak of lockdown, the Meadows Trust provided a much-needed space for many in the local community to exercise and relax, and as a result, we saw a huge increase in footfall on the meadows, walkways and footpaths. We love that so many people have been able to use the space as an outlet, but with increased footfall comes increased littering, more use of the dog poo bins, compression of soil and in some cases large areas requiring reseeding.

HMTL is a charity which operates entirely on donations, and with any potential grant funding streams lacking during 2020 due to the pandemic, we have been left relying solely on the generosity of locals, who have signed up to becoming Friends of the Meadows and other private donations.

With no end in sight, we need your help to keep the meadows open and safe for all to enjoy. So please consider getting involved with the Miles 4 Smiles campaign, pledging to walk 30, 60, 90 or even 120 miles or by making a donation to protect this precious resource for future generations.