You may not know this, but volunteers walk the footpaths locally to keep them open and checked on - we asked those volunteers to write a small piece for the blog - thanks go to Tom Aspinall for working on this and the footpaths and Les Cullen too it is efforts like this in the background that keep our town opened up and available to enjoy.
There are many attractive footpaths in and around Beaconsfield. This article describes some aspects of how they are maintained and can be used. A very convenient aid to using local footpaths are the maps produced by the Chiltern Society. These cost a few pounds each and can be purchased from the Society’s website: www.chilternsociety.org.uk. (NB: The map for the area around Beaconsfield is number 13.)
Volunteer members of the Chiltern Society Rights of Way Group undertake roles in ensuring that the paths are in good shape. They regularly monitor each path to ensure that the paths are open and in good condition. If a path is blocked, they will, as appropriate:
· clear minor obstructions such as overhanging foliage
· make contact with the land-owner to clear it or to repair styles and fences
· escalate problems to Buckinghamshire Council*, who have statutory responsibility for Rights of Way and who may, in turn, ask the Chiltern Society volunteers to carry out work including removing fallen trees, installing gates and stiles.
Our objectives are to keep paths open, well signposted and in good condition; to improve the network of paths where possible and to encourage the use of all paths and open access land so that people can enjoy the Chiltern countryside.
There are two series of good walk leaflets describing walks recommended for their attractiveness:
The Chiltern Society’s Walk Leaflets, described on the Society’s website. www.chilternsociety.org.uk and
The Beaconsfield Society’s Enjoy Beaconsfield Walks: https://beaconsfieldnow.org.uk/what-we-do/enjoy-beaconsfield/
If you might be interested in taking part in these Chiltern Society activities, contact either Les Cullen (01494 675482) or Tom Aspinall (01494 673106) or look for vacant roles on the Chiltern Society Web-Site. https://chilternsociety.org.uk/vacancies/
And finally, if you as a resident see an infringement of a right of way, then you can report it here https://www.buckscc.gov.uk/services/environment/public-rights-of-way/report-a-rights-of-way-issue/