Pensioners aged 60 to 84 in the district have been enjoying free guided nature walks thanks to the Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership (KSCP).

Regulars at a weekly coffee morning hosted by Age UK at their community hub in Zion Place, Margate, have been taken out to nearby parks for walks in the countryside.

The funding, however, will soon come to an end, meaning there is just one more trip planned.

The walks came about when KSCP approached Louise Collins, volunteer coordinator at Age UK, offering to take the group on a guided walk at a place of their choice.

Louise said: “Our Friday coffee morning is a platform to get people together to meet up and chat or have some breakfast, while finding out about local information, events and support that is available.

“The aim of our coffee morning is to reduce isolation and boost morale.

“Many older people say that they want to do things and visit places but don’t like the idea of going alone, and so when Martin from KSCP approached me I bit his hand off!

“By working in partnership with KSCP we have met that need and helped increase social interaction.

“There is a real need for this service in this area.”

So far, the group has visited Pegwell Bay country park at Cliffsend and Betteshanger country park near Deal.

KSCP provide transport on their minibus and KSCP’s Martin Thomas acts as a guide, telling the group about the wildlife they see along the way.

KSCP were awarded funding earlier this year by Kent Sport to organise events to help older people enjoy the benefits of exercise.

Unfortunately, this funding will soon be coming to an end but they hope to source funding elsewhere.

Martin said: “They really are a fantastic group of people and it is very rewarding to be able to help groups like this.

“We are planning one more walk in spring, but then we will have to look for funding to do more.”

Regulars at the coffee mornings who have taken part in the walks said: “It was great to get out with others, have a chat, cup of tea and a walk in the crisp sunshine.”