A NEW project which aims to get people out and walking the stunning Dorset coast has been set up.

The Coast Path Connectors project has been created by the South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA) which promotes and protects the 630-mile national trail.

This project will help improve equity of access along the South West Coast Path by supporting local people in making the most of the trail, for their health and well-being, through a network of new volunteers. 

It has been made available through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Walk hubs have already been set across the west country in Plymouth, West Cornwall, North Devon and Torbay. 

Dorset is the final hub to be set up with the Dorset Project Officer role currently being advertised. 

Each hub will have a Project Officer who will be recruiting and training volunteers to become ‘Volunteer Community Rangers’. 

These new volunteers will act as walk leaders, walk buddies, points of contact and advocates for the Coast Path in their local communities, and will also show people the heritage and nature in their local area, with the goal of sparking an interest which will make people feel more confident about returning and engaging with nature on future visits. 

Full training and expenses will be available to volunteers.  

Alex Turner, Coast Path Connectors Project Manager said: "There are some amazing Coast Path walks along the Dorset coast and this is a great opportunity to get people out exploring the coast on their doorstep."

The association is also looking to identify local community groups in Dorset, to partner with organisations that work with people who would benefit from the health and well-being benefits of walking, building confidence and exploring the Coast Path. 

More information can be found at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/coast-path-connectors.

The South West Coast Path runs from Poole in Dorset, down the coast all the way to Land's End in Cornwall, and then as far up as Minehead in Somerset.