Ramblers Senior Policy Officer, Janet Davis, said: “As a result of years of cuts to rights-of-way budgets, we know that our paths are suffering, but to what extent? Data from the Big Pathwatch will provide us with a comprehensive picture of the rights of way network across England and Wales, so working with partners from across the sector, including farmers, landowners and local authorities, we can start to put a long-term strategy in place to improve and protect our paths.
"It’s important to stress that the purpose of the Big Pathwatch isn’t just about reporting problems, or using the problems found as a way of criticising landowners or authorities. The results of the Big Pathwatch will be the tool for looking for solutions. The results of the Big Pathwatch will allow the Ramblers to create a comprehensive picture of the state of the path network, which will be used to campaign for its upkeep. Where possible, Ramblers’ path maintenance teams will be heading out to fix problems found through the survey, clearing brambles and other overgrown vegetation, improving path surfaces and fixing bridges and gates."
The Local Authority rights of way teams are struggling to survey every route and so the Ramblers have started the project to undertake these surveys. The information will be gathered and reports written for every area. These reports will be given to the local Authority and the Local Authority will then approach land owners and starts discussions as to what work is required on the right of way. The NFU will be trying to work with the Local Government Association to ensure that where the reports have identified issues the dialogue is not that of enforcement but cooperation. The Ramblers will be organising working parties to undertake some repairs also.
For further information on rights of ways see the Business Guides available here.
:: The NFU will be working with Ramblers to ensure that where issues are identified they are communicated to members and any work plans proposed are undertaken with land owner permission once the reports have been submitted. The CallFirst team will be able to assist land owners where issues arise.
For further information, please visit www.Ramblers.org.uk/bigpathwatch