Discover a new way of moving around Penzance and connecting to nature, as we launch Penzance Greenways.
All around us a network of paths, some of them ancient, link up communities and green spaces within and around the town. As a way of highlighting them, keeping them in use and building more walking and cycling into daily life, we’ve created the PZ Greenways project.
The PZ Greenways map, beautifully illustrated by Harriet Harrow, links up green spaces within the town and also shows some of the green routes out of town. Whether you’re trying to get your daily steps up, or do something different on your commute to work, the first six walks will get you started.
Alongside the map we’ve created a host of events and workshops to involve as many people in the community as we can. But first…
Why Greenways?
When we step outside our front doors, we don’t always realise the opportunities to connect with nature right in front of us. That has huge knock-on benefits for our mental and physical health. And that’s what this project is all about.
Penzance has the lowest car ownership levels in Cornwall, and 80% of journeys that are made by car locally are less than 5km. That has some of the biggest impact in terms of air pollution and carbon emissions.
We wanted to do more to help people navigate around the place in an enjoyable way without their car; improving air quality, reducing carbon emissions and supporting healthy lives.
Footpaths for the future
Another element of this project is shining a light on the incredible network of footpaths we have locally, some of which are ancient.
Making sure we keep using these footpaths is vital; it’s how we make sure they stay in use for future generations.
With the government’s deadline to legally register public rights of way and footpaths by 2031, 49,000 miles of path could be lost across the UK, which is why we need to learn how to make the most of them right now.
With Greenways, we hope to inspire a whole new generation of walkers to get outside.
So, how does Greenways work?
With our illustrated map, discovering new corners in and around Penzance is easy. Included in the map is a loop walk around town, and five routes heading out.
We have created written guides to take along, and audio guides to listen to as you walk. There is an online map where you can orientate while out and about. You can see where to hop on a Beryl Bike or get the bus back if you’ve had enough – plus, we’ve snuck in pins where you can refill your water bottle.
All you need to do is download the map and give it a go. Physical versions of the map will also be available at:
Penzance Welcome Centre (opp train station)
Newlyn Gallery
The Exchange Gallery
Morrab Library
Penzance Council (Penlee Park)
WAC Community Hub
St Clare Medical Centre
The Lescudjack Centre
The Hypatia Trust
Cafes and shops around town
Events and Workshops
PZ Greenways is more than a map. So we’re also holding events throughout the year to bring the community together, connect to nature and make walking a go-to option.
On the PZ Greenways page, you’ll find details of regular guided walks and map making workshops, where you can make your own personalised maps of the journeys you make to, from and around town. We’ll also be holding walks with experts like local historians, foragers and wildlife gurus.
Working with Social Prescribers we’ll hold sessions so more people can access our walks for physical and mental health. We’re also going to be working with a host of local support and wellness groups.
Our Greenways are to be cherished, so there will be regular clean up walks with Plastic Free PZ, picking up pollution to protect soil and plants from chemicals and keep wildlife safe.
This is just the start. Harriet has a tonne of new Greenways up her sleeve and her creativity knows no bounds. This will not be the first map!
Keep your eyes peeled, and follow our social media accounts for more updates. Find us on Facebook here, or Instagram here.
Thanks to the Active Travel Social Prescribing Fund for helping us kickstart this project.
