Encouraging Healthier School Journeys at Hanwood Park

15 July 2025

Supporting active, sustainable travel is a key priority at Hanwood Park – and one that continues to evolve as our community grows.

This year, we partnered with Hayfield Cross Church of England School and social enterprise Brightwayz to install a series of bright new ‘Walk to School’ stickers around the neighbourhood. These colourful markers show how close the school is on foot, with signs indicating journeys of 5, 10 or 15 minutes and beyond.

The initiative forms part of the school’s Modeshift STARS travel plan and aims to encourage children and their families to walk more, making daily journeys safer, healthier and more environmentally friendly.

In addition, Hanwood Park has a partnership with the sustainable transport platform HomeRun, which supports parents and school staff in reducing car journeys by planning and sharing school trips. This fits with our wider goal to ease traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions during busy school run times.

The importance of sustainable travel was also echoed by local residents during our 2023 public exhibition, where parking and traffic were highlighted as key concerns.

Chris Langdon, Hanwood Park’s Project Director, reflected on the community’s feedback: “There is a real appetite for sustainable transport options, including improved bus services, walking and cycling routes to Kettering. People told us they don’t want to have to drive everywhere, and this is why we are working with North Northamptonshire Council to make sure our new community is well connected to the wider area.”

At Hanwood Park, we are committed to creating a neighbourhood where active and sustainable travel options are accessible and encouraged. Initiatives like the ‘Walk to School’ stickers and the HomeRun partnership complement our ongoing work to build safe routes, promote low-carbon transport and support a healthier way of life for our residents.