Anne’s Volunteering Story
There are over 6120 kilometres (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 which works hard keeping our Rights of Way open and available for everyone 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 ranges from proactively reporting issues to cutting back vegetation and helping survey the network.
Jenny Oliver from the Central Volunteer Team spoke to Anne to chat about her experience of being a Rights of Way Volunteer. Anne has been volunteering for more than 2 and a half years as a Parish Path Liaison Officer and Somerset Strimmer Volunteer.
What does your volunteering role involve?
My role as Parish Path Liaison Officer involves keeping an eye on the footpaths in my parish, which is around 15 in total. I take my secateurs out for anything that I can easily sort but if not, I report the issue using the online tool provided. I also provide footpath reports at each Parish Council meeting along with any issues and a plan of action.
My strimming role involves clearing paths that are reported as not clear and attempting to go out and strim them, so they are accessible again. Alongside this reactive clearing, I work with the Rights of Way Officers to help with planning the annual vegetation clearance by contractors in my area.
Why did you start volunteering?
I do walk a lot as I have dog. Where I live and walk many of the footpaths were in a poor state, and after liaising with the Rights of Way Team they did get better in time.
My father did role this role too.
What keeps you volunteering?
I enjoy going out and doing it. Some of the landowners don’t go out of their way to help keep paths on their land open and clear, so somebody needs to keep an eye on the routes so they remain in good condition for the public.
What is your favourite thing about volunteering?
It’s the satisfaction when you see that broken parts of paths have been repaired or replaced, it’s good to see.
What difference has volunteering made to you? For example, making new friends or enhancing your skills.
It has got me out into different parts of the parish that I may not have walked before.
What would you say to someone who has never volunteered?
I would encourage them to get involved. The role is important to keep our Rights of Way open. The team at Somerset Council are there to help and support you.
Can you think of a good strapline to describe your volunteering?
If you want to keep your footpaths clear and in good order this helps!
Come and get involved! You can find these roles at others here!