Following a strong representation from Micheldever Parish Council in the summer, I persuaded Andrew Smith, Director of the Countryside Service at Hampshire to walk the paths of East Stratton with me and another regular walker, Mrs Carter
We were caught in the rain, but the points were well made by Mrs Carter - if we in the countryside are to enjoy these paths, and encourage our children to live healthier lifestyles by doing so too, then they must be properly maintained.
But we all agreed that it's not always so simple - paths are in the ownership of others as well as Hampshire County Council and we need to build up strong relationships with other partners to see an overarching improvement.
Was it this meeting that inspired the Paths to Partnership afternoon for Parish Councils? I like to think so!
It was an interesting afternoon and delegates received a Parish file which provided useful information.
Examples of good practice were shared - I particularly liked the Parish Plan consultation consisting purely of photographs.
Two examples of good practice organisations operating in the Itchen Valley Division are the Wednesday Conservation Volunteers www.wednesdaycv.org.uk and the Worthys Conservation Volunteers www.worthysconservationvolunteers.org.uk.
Why not join in, get fit and improve your local area at the same time? It's worth looking at these websites for inspiration.
In September I joined the Worthys Group to clear a big section of Nuns Walk
We had arranged the event with the Countryside Service so Justin had brought specialist equipment (including a motorized wheelbarrow!!) and big warning signs - and aggregate was delivered in preparation. A huge amount was accomplished in one afternoon by approx 20 people (I just helped after Bruce and his team had been through with the cutters) and walkers on the busy route were very appreciative that the muddy areas had been filled and the nettles cut back. It's also a really good way to get to know local people and the local area.
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