CHILDREN and young people across Herefordshire’s activity rates remain stable according to new data.

Sport England’s Active lives children and young people survey results for 2024-2025 show that activity rates across the county have remained stable across the last eight years.

This year’s data shows that 48 per cent of those between the ages of five to16 that were surveyed were classed as active, which requires completing an average of 60 minutes or more of moderate intensity physical activity per day.

This has declined from 50.8 per cent last year, but since the survey began in 2017-2018, the counties results have steadily fluctuated around an average percentage of 47.81 per cent.

The data shows that Herefordshire is slightly below the national average, which currently sits at 49.1 per cent across the country.

Zoe Clifford, director of public health at Herefordshire Council, said: “Results of the latest survey of activity levels in children in Herefordshire show that one in two children meet recommended activity levels. A figure that hasn’t changed in the last eight years.

“The physical and mental health benefits of staying active are well recognised. Through initiatives such as Healthy Schools and Active Families (Stride Active) we are encouraging children in Herefordshire to move more.”

Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire is committed to tackling inequalities towards physical activity equity in Herefordshire and is working with dedicated partners to try and ensure that the county’s youth can be active for life.

Through our place-based working, we will be on the ground in South Herefordordshire, as well as working with our delivery partners, Stride Active, to continue the School Games and Here Girls Can programmes, which helps to target those who are not currently engaging with physical activity.

Sport England’s Children and Young People Active Lives Survey is sent to directly to schools, and the results gathered help to inform the data.