Put your best foot forward for Colchester's urban walk

Since setting up in 2007, Jane’s Walk has spread to 68 cities in nine countries. From its beginnings in Toronto, Canada, the event has reached China, the Philippines and last year, thanks to Colchester, the UK held its first event.

Now joined by Kingston and Hereford, Britain’s oldest recorded town is back with another exciting selection of walks. That includes Fred Slattern’s poetry and history tour of the suburbs; Dorien Kelly’s lost theatres of Colchester and Jess Jephcott’s trail of historic buildings through postcards.

Jane’s Walk celebrates the ideas and legacy of Jane Jacobs, who died in 2006 aged 89.

She was an American-born Canadian writer and activist who lived in, loved and wrote about cities. Her ideas on communities, neighbourhoods, street life, walking and living sustainably inspired people across the world.

Jane’s Walk takes place on the first weekend in May each year, to mark the anniversary of her birthday, and encourages people to get out into their neighbourhoods and host free walks on any theme, bringing people together to share stories and talk about the places where they live, work and play.

Jane Farrow, chief executive of the group, said: “Past walks explored a range of urban landscapes, from social housing due for redevelopment and areas with a rich architectural and cultural heritage, to teen hangouts and secret gardens. They offer a personal take on local culture and issues.

“They are not a tourist-driven initiative, but an insider tour of a neighbourhood.”

Rowena Macaulay, an organiser of this weekend’s event, adds: “We were delighted so many people embraced the idea of Jane’s Walk and turned out in such numbers last year.

“Few of those who took part in Colchester knew much of Jane Jacobs beforehand, but the event is very much in the spirit of the woman, and testimony to the fact that good, simple ideas have legs.”

l For more information go to www.walkcolchester.org.uk/projects/janes-walk-2012