Cranbrook schools back UK’s biggest active travel challenge

Cranbrook Education Campus and St Martin’s C of E Primary and Nursery have teamed up with Sustrans and Devon County Council to promote sustainable travel in Cranbrook, encouraging families to walk, cycle, scoot or wheel to school.

The initiative supports the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel, the UK’s largest active travel challenge for schools, running from 24 March to 4 April 2025. The event aims to inspire students to ditch the car and embrace active travel, helping to reduce pollution, ease congestion, and build healthier habits from an early age.

Ahead of the event, both schools hosted Dr. Bike workshops to ensure students' bikes were in top condition. Community backing has also been strong, with support from Morrisons and praise from Cranbrook Town Council.

Councillor Les Bayliss, Chairman of Cranbrook Town Council, said: “These efforts not only help improve air quality but also instil healthy habits in children and families. Educating the next generation about sustainability is crucial for all our futures, and I am proud to see our schools, local partners, and businesses leading the way.”

Helen Morse, Sustrans Active Travel Officer, added: “Enabling more people to travel actively helps to create healthier places and happier lives for everyone. We’re excited to see the positive changes this partnership is bringing to Cranbrook and beyond.”

A Devon County Council spokesperson noted: “Instilling active travel habits from an early age will help ensure that children stay healthier for longer and help tackle congestion and carbon emissions.”

Both schools have introduced ‘Park and Stride’ schemes, encouraging parents to park at nearby landmarks – such as Morrisons, Cranberry Farm pub, or Cranbrook Train Station – and walk, scoot or cycle the rest of the way. Participating students are invited to enjoy a school breakfast and contribute to awareness campaigns through video projects and newsletters.

Amy Hardinge, Headteacher at St Martin’s C of E Primary and Nursery, said: “Encouraging cycling not only supports a healthier lifestyle but also helps reduce our carbon footprint. Together, we are paving the way for a greener future.”

Stephen Farmer, Head of Campus at Cranbrook Education Campus, added: “The Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel challenge is a fantastic opportunity for our students and families to embrace active travel — not only to improve health and well-being but also to enhance air quality in our community.”