The North York Moors National Park is looking to recruit volunteers from more diverse backgrounds and age groups.

Potential walk leaders and those interested in providing back-up support are being invited to come along to one of two taster sessions being held in July and August to find out what goes into guiding a group as part of the successful National Park Breath of Fresh Air walking programme.

Spurred on by a special celebratory 70th anniversary event in May organised in partnership with the inspirational Muslim Hikers group to champion diversity in the great outdoors, the National Park is particularly keen to attract more walk leaders from under-represented communities.

During the day more than 70 people from a range of different backgrounds joined a walk taking in the Cleveland hills along the Cleveland Way National Trail. .

Emma Mckenzie, the North York Moors National Park’s Events Engagement Officer said: “There is so much evidence now that getting outside in beautiful landscape can help improve our health and wellbeing and this is one of the reasons why our free guided walks are already popular.

“Now we’re hoping to expand the annual programme to broaden its appeal, particularly as one of the things that can hold some communities back is when they don’t see themselves represented in a group.

“The 70th celebration walk demonstrated this perfectly as it really highlighted just how many people from all walks of life and backgrounds can join the same walking group and get so much enjoyment and pleasure out of spending time in the National Park.

“By having volunteers from different communities and backgrounds we’re hoping to reflect the message that these walks are for everyone. The volunteer leaders, who only have to commit to organising three walks a year, will also help shape our future programme based on what they and their communities are interested in, whether it’s walking a route that includes visiting an art gallery, stopping at a café, watching wildlife or photographing iconic landmarks.”

Those interested in finding out how to become a walk leader, which includes travel expenses and other benefits, can join a 5km stroll with the National Park team to chat about the training and support that is given, on either 26 July at Sutton Bank National Park Centre or 13 August at Danby Lodge National Park Centre.

More information on the Walk Leader volunteer opportunities can be found here www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/currentvolunteering For those wanting to join one of the National Park’s free Breath of Fresh Air guided walks can find out more on www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/guidedwalks