Annual Colchester walking festival dedicated to "precious" green space
Jane's Walk Festival runs from 3-11 May 2025
Jane’s Walk is an international weekend of local walks led by local people and runs across Colchester and North Essex from 3-11 May 2025.
It celebrates the life of the Canadian urbanist, writer and activist Jane Jacobs (1916-2006) and takes place simultaneously in cities around the world in early May each year.
In Essex, this years festival is organised by Rowena Macaulay and is dedicated to the "precious" greenspace on the edge of Colchester, Middlewick Ranges.
Ms Macaulay said, “The 2025 festival is dedicated to the community of people who have rallied to save this precious green space on the edge of our city."
The Essex wildlife site of national nature significance was saved this year after an eight-year long community campaign against housing development plans.
Jane's Walk in Colchester features 22 walks across the week, all organised by local people.
This includes walks involving poetry, jazz music, and sketching.
Organiser, Ms Macaulay, says it'll give "1000s of people, young and old, the chance to explore our city and unique landscape through many lenses including nature, history and art."
Volunteer Nelleke Van Helfteren told Greatest Hits Radio: "it's a great opportunity to fall back in love with where you live.
Included in the programme are walks focusing on local urban landscape and history, and some branch out to villages around the town – Copford, Jaywick, Wivenhoe, and green spaces Westlands, the cemetery, and Middlewick.
The week starts with a fundraising quiz on 3 May at Cardinal Bourne Hall.
Jane’s Walks Colchester celebrates the spirit of Jane Jacobs, Canadian urbanist, writer and activist.
It's supported by local institutions including Colchester Cultural & Creative Events Fund, Colchester Arts Centre, and The Commons Cafe at The Minories.
All walks are free and there is no need to book in advance.
The meeting points along with full access information are all in the programme which is available in venues across the city and online.