A YORKSHIRE couple will attempt to cycle more than 2000 miles across every UK national park to help restore Scotland’s ancient woodland.
The Caledonian Forest is the last vestige of an ancient wilderness that once spanned an estimated 15,000km2. It dwindled to about 1% of its original size by the 1950s over a number of fragments but is now the subject of sustained conservation efforts to join up those areas through replanting, remove non-native species and help wildlife thrive into the future.
Now Skipton couple Joshua Kian and Sarah Grace-Morgan are to embark on a wild ride that they hope will help make their eco-dreams a reality.
The couple are “passionate about helping to preserve wild lands” and aim to raise at least £2000 – £1 per mile – by pedalling across the UK in September, completing it in just 30 days to end before landmark climate summit COP26 begins in Glasgow.
The money raised will support the work Trees for Life is doing to restore the Caledonian Forest.
Kian told The National: “The Highlands have left a special mark on us after our outdoor visits. It’s the last glimmer of wilderness in the UK with incredible potential in terms of biodiversity and wildlife reintroduction. The work Trees
for Life are doing has really impressed us, we love their grassroots approach and they are also big advocates for cycling.
“From a broader perspective, I find it heartbreaking to see wildlife species in the UK constantly on the decline, with natural areas shrinking. I think being able to experience them helps create a connection with nature and gives us a better chance of a sustainable future. Woodlands particularly are our most biodiverse habitats in the UK but are particularly threatened.
“Both Sarah and I love and challenge and hoped we could use our blood, sweat and tears to promote a brilliant cause.”
The couple, both vegan, believe their “plant-powered”, zero-emissions journey – which will see them camp along the way – will be the first of its kind and are currently in training. Covering around 60 miles per day, they’re focusing on their nutrition and stamina.
With donations in excess of £1000 committed so far, they’ve already raised more than half of their target. Grace-Morgan said forests are “crucial to climate change”, adding: “We could all do with more trees.” To donate to their Ride for the Wild, click on this link
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