The Hiking Society - Words from Theo (VP Hiking Society)
“The University of Derby Hiking Society is a student-led society with the commitment of promoting nature connectedness and mental & physical wellbeing through hiking outdoors in nature. We often hike in areas surrounding Derby, most notably Belper, Matlock and Bakewell, though have ventured further into the Peak District.
The president, as well as myself, are both 2nd year students enrolled on the Environmental Sustainability course. Through our studies, our love and appreciation for the beauty of biodiversity and nature has been deepened through our courses’ emphasis on the importance of ecosystems and all organisms.
As stated in the nature connection handbook, being closer to nature improves our happiness and motivation. As a hiking society, we are always closer to nature, continuously improving our members’ mental wellbeing.
We also pride ourselves on dedication to environmental sustainability. We have walked to the start of our hiking routes before but generally use public transport, specifically buses, to get to our hiking routes. We encourage our members to join us in using public transport as much as possible as it reduces the CO2 emissions per passenger. We also plan to use trains to reach hiking routes further out in the Peak District.
One of our aims is to encourage more people to visit nature, whether that is with us, or not, as it’s readily accessible in Derbyshire and core to improving one’s happiness and wellbeing.”
Theo Panter, Vice President of The Hiking Society, 2025
The Hiking Societies initiatives support both UN SDG 3 and 15. UN SDG 3(Good Health and Well-Being) by promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and active lifestyles, and aligns with UN SDG 15 (Life on Land) by fostering appreciation for natural ecosystems, encouraging conservation, and reducing environmental degradation through sustainable outdoor activities.
If you’d like to get involved in the Hiking Society, please access the Hiking // Union of Student page here