Amanda’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 Amanda to chat about his experience of being a Rights of Way Volunteer. Amanda has been volunteering for more than five years as a Parish Path Liaison Officer.
What does your volunteering role involve Amanda?
I report problems on the online map, checking rights of way and their “furniture” (stiles, gates etc etc) around Enmore. I also act as a liaison between Somerset Council and the Parish Council, encouraging use of the area Rights of Way through speaking to people, writing articles for the Enmore and Goathurst Magazine and at social events in the village.
Why did you start volunteering?
I needed a new volunteer role after volunteering with Citizens Advice for many years, the Rights of Way role seemed perfect as I was already using them for recreation. I like that this role is in my local area as I do not enjoy driving on the congested roads.
All my life I have loved to walk outside, initially in my local area around The Wirral, but then in other areas of England including the mountains of the English Lake District, Snowdonia and the Scottish mountains. Even when I was based outside of the UK I continued this interest and have ascended Mount Kinabalu and hiked in the Jungle as well as living in Canada spending every Sunday in the mountains and backcountry skiing.
What keeps you volunteering?
The need to exercise outside and I find the role interesting, challenging. I like socialising and having projects. At the moment I am trying to make pathway BW15/4 over the Golf Course safer for walkers and trying to get landowners to leave pathways clear over their fields.
What is your favourite thing about volunteering?
I love walking and learning new things. I enjoy meeting and socialising with the people in my area whilst doing something meaningful.
What difference has volunteering made to you? For example, making new friends or enhancing your skills.
I have a purpose and can help people.
What would you say to someone who has never volunteered?
Dive in and try it.
Can you think of a good strapline to describe your volunteering?
Get outside and help Somerset be a good place to walk.
Thanks for your story Amanda! If you want to find your local volunteer roles, you can do so here.