Ramblers’ survey records blocked farm footpaths
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Thousands of ramblers are taking part in the nation’s biggest ever survey of footpaths in the countryside, which includes reporting problems on untidy farm paths.
According to the Ramblers charity, almost 12,000 walkers have registered to take part in the survey, which aims to build a picture of the state of path network in England and Wales.
The Big Pathwatch, launched by the charity in July, is examining 140,000 miles of pathways amid concerns that many are becoming overgrown, flooded, or are in a poor condition.
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Frank Weller, chairman of The Ramblers New Forest Group, said: “There are good footpaths and bad ones.
“The problem is that county councils like Hampshire have been severely strapped for cash. They tend to only deal with real health and safety issues where there is a danger to the public.
“Paths which are not a danger to the public rely on people like us to walk them and report any problems.
“In my experience, some farmers and landowners are good and some are not so good. I have led walks through farmland and had some farmers who are very awkward and some who are very good.
“We need to get more people interested in walking in the countryside. If people don’t walk the paths they will quickly fall into disrepair and not get used.”
For the project, walkers are being asked to take a mobile phone with them on countryside walks and take pictures of problems, such as flooded paths, fallen trees, paths becoming overgrown, wonky bridges, missing signs and broken or locked gates.
They are asked to upload findings using an app. Alternatively, walkers without smartphones can record data on the Ramblers’ website.
Those who register to take part must agree to survey a 1km grid square.
“The project is not about criticising anyone, it’s about getting the complete picture of the state of our pathways and coming up with the long-term solutions to try and solve these problems”
Ramblers spokeswoman
More than 86,000 problems were recorded with footpaths in England alone last year – an increase from 68,000 in 2013 – according to the Institute of Public Rights of Way.
But the Ramblers believe the problem could be more serious, due to funding cuts and years of neglect.
The charity, which says it members are the “guardians of the footpath network”, said it wanted to explore the “true extent” of the condition of footpaths.
A Ramblers spokeswoman said: “The project is not about criticising anyone, it’s about getting the complete picture of the state of our pathways and coming up with the long-term solutions to try and solve these problems.”
The survey will run until the end of this year and the results will be published in spring 2016.
The Ramblers, formerly known as the Ramblers’ Association, said it hoped the results of the project to help highlight other similar campaigns, including Paths in Crisis and Don’t Lose Your Way.
The charity said it had investigated the possibility of running the project in Scotland, but due to “different rights of way and access law” it decided against the idea.
Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, all farmers and landowners have responsibility to keep rights of way on their land open to the public.
So far more than a quarter of grid squares in England and Wales have been surveyed, with more than 25,000 positive features reported and 30,000 features that cause people concern.
Christopher Price, director of policy at the Country, Land and Business Association (CLA), said: “The CLA has advised members about this initiative, highlighting the possibility of heightened public interest in the management of public rights of way.
“It is important that landowners understand both their rights and legal responsibilities with regards public rights of way on their land, and CLA members can contact their regional CLA office for detailed support and advice.”