GRAHAM Baker has become the Countryside Alliance's new county chairman for Herefordshire.

Born and bred in the county, Graham is a past chairman of Hereford Market Auctioneers and has spent 48 years at Sunderlands, a long established firm of chartered surveyors and auctioneers in Hereford.

He retired as a senior partner in 2003 and he now acts as a consultant to the firm.

Graham's interest in all country sports is a highly passionate one. He was master of the North Herefordshire Hunt for eight seasons and is also chairman of its point-to-point committee.

"I am really looking forward to taking on this role at such an important time," he said.

"While I am passionate about hunting, I am also keen to extend all the alliance is doing for shooting and fishing sports within the county. Herefordshire is one of the most beautiful places in Britain, and believe it's important that those of us who are lucky enough to live here, recognise the contribution that country sports makes to our countryside."

There's more open spaces now

THE Countryside Agency is encouraging everyone in Worcestershire to use the open spaces in and around their local area to stimulate a happier, healthier lifestyle.

It maintains that seven out of 10 people are not physically active enough and both their physical and mental health is suffering.

Last year, the mapping of new open access land, healthy walking groups, a programme of new Doorstep Greens, better management of National Trails and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and myriad schemes to improve outdoor opportunities in an around towns, have all increased opportunities for getting out and about.

In Worcestershire alone there are more than 3,000 miles of Public Rights of Way as well as new open access land, successful healthy walking groups, the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a range of greenspace ideas.

The Countryside Agency's James Marshall said: "We have worked very hard to ensure that countryside either close to towns or farther afield is more accessible and, this year, we shall be producing an outdoor recreation strategy."

NEW ACCESS LAND

THE Countryside Agency is encouraging everyone in Worcestershire to use the open spaces in and around their local area to stimulate a happier, healthier lifestyle.

It maintains that seven out of 10 people are not physically active enough and both their physical and mental health is suffering.

Last year, the mapping of new open access land, healthy walking groups, a programme of new Doorstep Greens, better management of National Trails and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and myriad schemes to improve outdoor opportunities in an around towns, have all increased opportunities for getting out and about.

In Worcestershire alone there are more than 3,000 miles of Public Rights of Way as well as new open access land, successful healthy walking groups, the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a range of greenspace ideas.

The Countryside Agency's James Marshall said: "We have worked very hard to ensure that countryside either close to towns or farther afield is more accessible and, this year, we shall be producing an outdoor recreation strategy."