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In May 2009, Andrew walked 150Km, from Cow Green reservoir on the Co Durham/Cumbria border, to Howick on the Northumberland coast. Cow Green was the site of one of the first modern conservation campaigns, as the reservoir threatened an internationally important site for the Teesdale Violet, Spring Gentian and other rare alpine plants. Howick Hall was the seat of the 2nd Earl Grey, champion of the 1832 Reform Act which swept away the 'rotten boroughs' and began the extension of the parliamentary vote.

These themes reflected the purpose of the walk, which was to raise funds for the Green Party's election campaigns in the North East (Euros 2009, General 2009/10). For every region or constituency where we stand a candidate, we must pay a deposit just to be on the ballot paper. Money raised by the Walk for Democracy allows us to give more voters the chance to vote Green at these elections.

For further information, see the Walk for Democracy home page.

Sun, 24 May 2009

Start of walk

What is the difference between city and country? From my flat in Heaton, Newcastle, the only birds we hear are blackbirds singing in the middle of the night, confused by new far too bright streetlights. Here is a chorus of ground nesting birds.

Anyway, I am now (9:30am) approaching the 'official' start point by Cow Green reservoir. Will I find any Spring Gentians? I will leave it to others to look for the Rotten Boroughs, which may be easier to find!

But, as Rowan Williams said yesterday, it is now time for the media to give as much attention to policies as to expenses. The biggest problem with our politicians is not the expense claims, but their refusal to take the big decisions needed to tackle climate change. For instance, the universal, free home insulation scheme proposed by the Green Party. If the company where I stayed last night is anything to go by, ordinary people are far less timid than the big party politicians. We talked about land reform, climate change and the demonisation of young people. So please check out our website at www.greenparty.org.uk.
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Promoted by Andrew Gray, 61 Addycombe Terrace, Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5NB