Dear Trailwatcher – I am emailing to inform you of a new Adopt-a-path scheme that we are intending to launch in the near future.  The attached leaflet highlights the role and provides background information.  It will enable individuals to adopt a local definitive public right of way that they use regularly and help to keep the vegetation clipped back.

When a volunteer sends/emails their request to adopt-a-path we will have the ultimate approval in case there are paths that have long standing issues (legal or otherwise), conflicting landowners or other problems.

To save you accumulating more responsibility and time commitments we will encourage some volunteers to become local co-ordinators to report in problems.  If you would be happy to do this then I can inform the volunteer on approval, but please do not feel under any pressure to take on this role.

You may already operate a similar scheme in your parish or town.  If you do I would encourage you to register the individuals with us they can benefit from being covered by our insurance and receive a pair of secateurs and gloves (if required) as well as avoiding any potential duplication of paths being adopted.

The scheme will be advertised quite widely across the county through newspaper articles, the SCC website as well as through health centres and vets.  A major health link can be attributed to the scheme by encouraging people to get out and walk, ride or cycle whatever distance they choose.  We feel that the scheme will build on the excellent work that you already do and help to spread the load further.

Regards,

Andy
Volunteer and Trails Officer

Rights of Way C601c
Economic & Community Infrastructure
Somerset County Council
County Hall
Taunton
TA1 4DY
01823 358250

For further information about Rights of Way please visit our website www.somerset.gov.uk/rightsofway/