Parish Paths Partnership
History
In 1996 Jenny Collingridge, pursuaded our parish council to back the formation of our P3 group. Initially, some of the councillors and landowners where somewhat sceptical at the prospect of hoards of walkers tramping over their property. It did not take long for them to realise the benefits of a well organised rights-of-way network, co-ordinated by local people who shared the interests of the landowners. We have since enjoyed a good relationship with the farming community almost without exception. At that time, out of 57 kms. of R.O.W.s, only 6kms. were useable, and those with some degree of difficulty.
In December ’96, we had a training day with the P3 Project Officer, and some of his volunteers, who educated us in the use of the tools provided, and in the methods used in the installation of the furniture.
This training was very basic, and we have been largely self-taught from there on.
Fortunately, we had members involved in agriculture, and I was then responsible for Health and Safety within the company for whom I worked. Consequently we were well aware of the issues involved in that respect.
We actually started work in March ’97, with members drawn from Brown Clee Walkers.
Initially, we addressed routes in the proximity of the village centre. We then spread out to include radial routes leading to neighbouring villages and outlying settlements, such as Cleobury North, Neenton, Abdon, Chetton, as well as to link up with the existing paths on Brown Clee Hill.
In just a few instances, where an important route crosses the parish boundary, we have done a minimum of work outside the parish to create useful circular or linear routes.
By 2005, 99% of our paths were in A1 condition. There is just one short length of footpath which is unuseable due to a boundary problem between neighbours (we do not really want to get involved).
We are conscious of the need to make our paths useable, where possible, by people with various disabilities. A few of our routes, particularly near the village centre are completely accessible by wheelchair users, and we intend to improve others in the near future.
In addition to the restoration and maintenance of paths, we have also taken on other related projects:-
1. We commissioned a parish map, showing right-of-ways. This is mounted in a prominent position in the centre of the village, by the churchyard.
2. We adopted a small boggy area on the playing field, as a mini-nature reserve, with an interpretive board describing the plants that can be seen.
3. In 2004, we published a booklet of nine local walks. These are available from local outlets at £2.50 each.
Statistics
Established December ’96 – Effective from March ’97.
Original active members – 10
Present active members – 8
Average age of members – 68 years.
Youngest – 17 years. Oldest – 83 years.
Working parties – 1 half day per month (Saturday mornings).
Typical turnout – 6
Kilometres of right-of-ways in parish – 57.
Situation in March ’97:-
Condition “A” (Fully furnished – Easy to use – waymarked) – Nil kms.
Condition “B” (Useable with some difficulty) – 6 kms.
Condition “C” (Impassable) – 51 kms.
Situation in March ’07 :-
Condition “A” – 56.5 kms.
Ongoing Problems :-
1. Neglect of some landowners to re-instate paths after cultivation and planting. This is much less of a problem these days, thanks to the co-operation of the majority of landowners.
2. Routes crossing gardens of residential properties.
3. Increasing volumes of maintenance.
4. Increasing age of volunteers.
5. Vandalism – Fortunately rare.
