All About Magazine - Issue 11

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Following on from our editorial in July, The Ramblers
needs as many people as possible in Newport to
take part in the Big Pathwatch, the nation’s biggest
ever footpath survey. This follows new research that
reveals path problems in England, including theWest
Midlands, are on the rise.
With more than 21,400 problems recorded on paths
in the West Midlands and more than 86,000 in
England, the Ramblers fears this isn’t the full picture
and that the scale of the problem is far bigger.
The Ramblers chief executive Benedict Southworth
said: “The Big Pathwatch is the first time we’ll be
asking everyone to help us walk every right of way in
England and Wales and tell us what they find so we
can protect and celebrate our amazing 140,000 mile
path network, one of our nation’s biggest assets.
“We know that there are currently problems on paths
in the West Midlands that stop people in their tracks.
We need to find the true extent of the problem and
explore how this affects anyone who uses these
paths, whether that’s on their shortcut to the shops or
while they’re out enjoying our glorious countryside.
“With a 37 percent cut in the workforce looking after
our paths in the West Midlands over the last five
years, it’s no surprise that these problems appear to
be mounting.”
To take part, download the free Big Pathwatch app,
walk every right of way within a specific grid square
and share any problems encountered, as well as
positive features such as beautiful views or interesting
landscapes. Those who don’t have a smartphone can
still get involved by downloading materials from the
Ramblers website.
Benedict added: “We’re acutely aware that times
are tough, which is why we want to find new, cost
effective ways to ensure our paths, and the thousands
of people who use them every day, don’t suffer.
“That’s why we’ve launched the Big Pathwatch.
Together, we will walk every right of way in England
and Wales to help build a national picture of the
state of our path network– the first time this has ever
been done. But more than that, we’ll use the results
to find the long term solutions to keep our paths
clear, boosting our nation’s health, happiness and the
economy.”
The Big Pathwatch will for the first time build a
complete picture of the state of the path network.
Where possible, Ramblers’ path maintenance teams
will head out to fix problems found through the
survey, such as overgrown vegetation, broken path
surfaces and bridges and gates in disrepair.
Importantly, the resultswill help theRamblersdevelop
long term strategies to keep paths in Newport clear
for the future, boosting tourism, the economy and
residents’ physical and mental wellbeing.
To find out more, visit
bigpathwatch
Call goes out to local ramblers
by Joanie Koh,
Photo courtesy Ian Dickin
12 AUGUST 2015