Like many thousands of people, I went for a walk in the country at Easter (the Monsal Trail in the Peak District – carpeted with wood anemones and alive with birdsong) and it occurred to me what an amazing debt of gratitude we all owe to the people responsible for making and maintaining these paths.
There are over 140,000 miles of footpaths in England & Wales according to the Ramblers. Each of these paths is signposted (some rather better than others!) and most will have infrastructure ranging from hedges, gates and stiles to bridges, boardwalks, stepping stones and deer fences. And all need checking regularly to repair damage and keep them clear of brambles, nettles and fallen trees. Just think how many man hours are involved each year!
Many different bodies play a part in keeping paths open and easy for us to use – private & public landowners, local Government, civil society organisations and volunteers, both local & national. In England and Wales the lead responsibility falls to local councils but in practice, there’s a lot of partnership working.
We walkers can play our part too. If you come across a path which needs attention, you can report it online through the Ramblers Pathwatch scheme; there’s even an app for both Apple and Android phones.
Sounds like a great walk, Jo. Yes, we are lucky to,have all,these marvellous paths around the country.
We visited Perivale wood last week, and again marvelled at the work done to keep,the paths there easy for visitors. Bird song and woodland beautiful,there too.
Aileen