Maintaining Local Paths

Our network of local footpath volunteers hold a watching brief to ensure that our network of  footpaths remain open and are well maintained. This can involve commenting on proposals to make  changes (diversions / creations / extinguishments) to footpaths in our area. A monthly digest of  current issues can be found at: White Cliffs Ramblers: Footpaths In addition, we have a strong team of volunteers, working in conjunction with Kent County Council, to keep our paths free from  overgrown vegetation. There are plenty of volunteering opportunities to become involved in all these activities.

Vegetation Clearance Team

The volunteers who are affectionately known as the “SLASHERS” (after a very old-fashioned clearance tool handed down to them), clear footpaths of overgrown vegetation and small to medium size trees. They are all Ramblers members.

The clearance work is normally done on a Wednesday (or occasionally other days by agreement) all year round. Tasks are identified either by Walk Leaders, PFO’s or handed to us by KCC. The team enjoy a good working relationship with Heather Waller at KCC.

The team is currently 9 strong, most of whom have been trained by KCC in the likes of Strimmer/brush cutters. Hedge cutters and loppers are also used.

New Volunteers are very welcome and should contact John Shale on j_shale@live.com to discuss and for further information. (We do not currently get involved with Stile or Gate repair)

Parish Footpath Observers

Within the White Cliff Ramblers area there are just over 50 Parishes. Each Parish aims to have a Ramblers member appointed to be a “PARISH FOOTPATH OBSERVER” (P.F.O.). The role of the P.F.O is to walk the Paths in their Parish once a year and report issues onto the KCC PROW System.

They can also then inform the path Clearance team of the clearance related issues, and “Local Footpath Offices” (LFO’S) of non- clearance related issues. Currently Margaret Milsted-Williamson is the WCR committee Member overseeing the PFO’s. Contact Margaret to discuss volunteering opportunities.    (maglou1@yahoo.co.uk)

Local Footpath Officers

LFO’s normally cover multiple Parishes within the 50+ of the WCR area. They receive information from KCC on proposed extinguishments, diversions, creations and changes of status. They would investigate their potential impact and make comments back to KCC.

The LFO’s would advise their Co-ordinator as appropriate. Currently the role of LFO Co-ordinator is vacant. Any issues relating to impact to PROW’s should be reported to the Group Chair.

They also liaise with PFO’s re their issues and to keep the PFO’s updated on KCC proposals.

Contact the Chair to discuss volunteering opportunities.