Adam’s Volunteering Story
There are over 6120 kilometres (or roughly 3800 miles) of Public Rights of Way across Somerset. These include Public Footpaths, Public Bridleways, Restricted Byways and Byways Open to All Traffic. The network is managed by Somerset Council’s Public Rights of Way team who work hard keeping our Rights of Way open and available for all to enjoy. The Rights of Way team also maintains and promotes the Somerset long distance trails. These are the England Coast Path, Coleridge Way, River Parrett Trail, West Somerset Coast Path and Neroche Herepath.
Our team of Rights of Way Volunteers help us enormously to manage this incredible network of paths, this includes proactively reporting issues to cutting back vegetation and helping survey the network.
Jenny Oliver of the Central Volunteer Team spoke to Adam to chat about his experience of being a Rights of Way Volunteer. Adam has been volunteering for eight months now as an Ease of Use surveyor Volunteer.
What does your volunteering role involve Adam?
I check footpaths all over the County. Ceri (Rights of Way Volunteer and Trails Officer) sends me paths around my survey area, mine include the Levels and the Mendips, and I check to see if they meet the required criteria.
As part of these surveys, I check signage and use the Explore Somerset Interactive Map to see what sort of path it is. I check the styles, gates and other furniture as see if landowners have replaced gates or styles on their land. I also look to see if the routes are fit for purpose. Fallen trees, drainage issues and missing signage are the most common issues I find. We are supplied with pruners, gloves, and small saws for when we are out to help resolve smaller issues where we can.
I report if the routes are passable and highlight issues to the wardens who then take further action.
Why did you start volunteering?
I have been scouting all my life and now I am a trustee, but I have always walked and had dogs. My friend does the role too and said why not try it, it’s great to give back to the County.
What keeps you volunteering?
To broaden my horizons and knowledge of the County. I have walked all over this County and the UK, but this role takes me to new areas and introduces me to new walks, new villages, and I enjoy discovering paths new to me. A lot of them I do without any knowledge of the area, but this role makes me use my map reading skills and broadens my knowledge of the County.
What is your favourite thing about volunteering?
I really enjoy researching paths at home. I use Google and Ordnance Survey maps, to look at the history of a place and to locate signs. I enjoy getting a feel for the land, and dedicating time to a good cause helping to ensure safe and clear paths.
What difference has volunteering made to you? For example, making new friends or enhancing your skills.
I have brushed up skills in map reading. I have a lot of Somerset maps but there is a lot that I haven’t seen. It’s all about respecting the use of our Rights of Way and keeping the network in good condition.
What would you say to someone who has never volunteered?
I would seriously encourage it, it is fulfilling and giving back to our County. I have got my compass out again and this keeps my skills sharp and improves my knowledge of paths. It broadens my outlook on the County, its’s history, and why the paths are there. If you love the countryside, it’s a great role to give something back.
Can you think of a good strapline to describe your volunteering?
Your County needs you! Try it!
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
It’s just a pleasure doing it. Ceri has a lot of volunteers, and so it’s easy to dip in and out, sometimes only doing one path at a time. You can request additional paths if you want to. I was grateful for only one this time, as I was having building work done at home. It’s great to give something back!
Thanks for telling your story Adam! You can find more information on this role and others here.