Discover Open Country: Making the great outdoors accessible for all

Open Country is a registered Yorkshire charity, tirelessly dedicated to helping people living with disabilities or mental health challenges to access and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. They firmly believe that access to the countryside should be a right, not a privilege. 

How Open Country helps our community 

Inclusive activities

Open Country runs up to 15 countryside activities every week, suitable for people with varying abilities. They also provide support and transportation options for those who wish to access the countryside independently. 

Expertise and guidance

With over 30 years of experience, Open Country offers invaluable information, training, and advice to organisations seeking to improve access to their countryside sites. 

Why your support matters 

Each activity run by Open Country is meticulously organised by a lead Activity Officer and supported by fully trained volunteers, with costs covered by the charity. They also run popular walking groups in Harrogate, York, and Selby, which are always in high demand and depend on funding to keep going. 
 
As a charity, Open Country relies on donations and funding to continue their exceptional work. Thanks to supporters like you, Open Country has raised an incredible £2,838 through THE LOCAL LOTTO. 

How funds are being used 

All funds raised by Open Country go toward covering the salaries and training costs required for each activity they offer, ensuring they can continue to provide their services. 

Nick’s story 

Nick has been a part of Open Country for over a decade. As a non-sighted walker, he depends on guided assistance to explore the outdoors.  

He shares how being able to access outdoor activities is helping him stay positive and fit: 

‘I’ve been coming out with the Open Country Walking Group for over 10 years. I have also been away on weekend trips and I am a member of one of the Tandem Clubs. 

I enjoy being out in the fresh air and I like getting the exercise. It’s also really great to see my friends and explore new places which I wouldn’t otherwise have visited. As a non-sighted walker, I need to be guided the whole time but the Open Country staff and volunteers are really helpful so this is never a problem. My trips out with Open Country are a challenge, but in a good way. It means I can get out there!’ 

Support Open Country while standing the chance to win incredible prizes! With every ticket you purchase, you're not only contributing to enabling life-changing outdoor experiences but also entering the exciting weekly draws for a chance to win the £25,000 jackpot and other fantastic prizes. 

Here's how you can support Open Country:

• Play THE LOCAL LOTTO*: Every time you play, you're helping to raise money for our fantastic local causes such as Open Country.  
• Donate directly to Open Country: Visit their website to see how you can make a donation and how the funds are being used.
• Volunteer: Open Country relies on volunteers to continue their work. There are benefits for you as well, as you’ll get to make new friends and learn new skills, while spending more time outdoors. 

Thank you for supporting our community through THE LOCAL LOTTO and Open Country. 
Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those who deserve the opportunity to explore and enjoy the wonders of nature. 
 
*Players must be 18 years or over.