Beth’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 paths 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 Beth to chat about her experience of being a Rights of Way Volunteer. Beth has been volunteering three years now as both Adopt a Path and as a Trail Watcher Volunteer.
What does your volunteering role involve Beth?
I have a collection of footpaths that I look after, regularly taking my son. There are two around Milverton and a section of coastal path. I walk the routes on a regular basis and log any issues with signage, gateways, and make sure that its accessible for the public to walk on.
Why did you start volunteering?
My son took part in the John Muir award, and he really enjoyed doing that. After that finished, I looked at what I could do in our local area. I found the Rights of Way roles and thought it could be good to do, and he could come along with me. He is autistic, and so not being able to get out in the pandemic was particularly hard for us. It was a great benefit to be able to get out after I signed up and gave us a purpose to get out again, that was great!
What keeps you volunteering?
We both really enjoy getting out and enjoy walking, my son needs a purpose though to do this and so helping me with the footpath scheme was perfect. Another positive part is just getting outside and learning our local area, being active, and engaging with it.
What is your favourite thing about volunteering?
Being engaged and involved!
What difference has volunteering made to you? For example, making new friends or enhancing your skills.
It has improved our mental health, hugely, especially during the pandemic.
What would you say to someone who has never volunteered?
It is straight forward and simple to apply. The most challenging thing to start with was the tech side of things and how to report issues, but I am used to that now. It is a lovely way of being active on regular basis and if you are not getting out, I highly recommend this role so that you can.
Can you think of a good strapline to describe your volunteering?
A fun way of being engaged in your local area and supporting the environment!
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
It has been a real bonus for my family as well as for myself as an individual.
If this has spurred your interest, you can find this role and others here. What are you waiting for!