The Ramblers is calling on people in Newport to step up and help survey their local paths as part of its biggest and most ambitious footpath survey.
With an enviable 140,000 miles of rights of way in England and Wales people can enjoy walking, the Ramblers needs people to step out in and around Newport and walk their favourite paths and report back on what they find using a smartphone app.
Launching on 13 July, the Big Pathwatch is the perfect opportunity for people to get involved in protecting the many places they love to walk in the area.
Ramblers’ chief executive Benedict Southworth said: “Our path network is the envy of walkers around the world and one of our nation’s biggest assets. But there are sometimes problems that literally stop people in their tracks.
“As guardians of the path network we work hard to protect our paths, but we need a complete picture of the entire network. With the help of people everywhere, the Big Pathwatch aims to survey every right of way in England and Wales, giving us the comprehensive overview we need to then be able to solve any problems.”
People will be able to download the Big Pathwatch app and share their experiences as they walk every right of way within a specific grid square. They’ll be asked to share the positive features of the walk, the beautiful views, any wildlife and interesting landscapes they see, as well as noting any problems they encounter.
The results of the Big Pathwatch will allow the Ramblers to create a comprehensive report on the state of the path network, which will be used to campaign for its upkeep. Where possible, Ramblers’ path maintenance teams will be heading out to fix problems found through the survey, clearing brambles and other overgrown vegetation, improving path surfaces and fixing bridges and gates.
Importantly, the results will enable the Ramblers to come up with other long term solutions to ensure the path network in Newport is protected for years to come. The Big Pathwatch is the only project that aims not only to walk every right of way in England and Wales to find out what state the paths are in, but also to help fix any problems.
Benedict added: “Anyone who loves the outdoors will understand just how important it is to keep our paths well maintained, and many people already do an amazing job of helping with this just by regularly using our paths. We are hoping as many people as possible in Newport will go one step further and play a crucial role in protecting our paths by getting involved in the Big Pathwatch. ”
To find out more, or to register to take part in the Big Pathwatch, visit www.Ramblers.org.uk/bigpathwatch.
