Who are we?
A group of people whose objective apart from enjoying the recreational aspects of the area as individuals is a collective desire to make a contribution to maintain the rights of way for the benefit of all who wish to avail themselves of the Chiltern AONB.
What do we do?
Most things necessary to facilitate access by the public to the ‘definitive’ rights of way. There is very little we cannot do. From the installation of waymark posts and clearing paths of overgrowth and undergrowth or fallen trees to the establishment of new steps in banks (particularly desirable on chalk slopes especially in wet weather) or the repair of existing steps that have deteriorated over time and frequent use. We also replace/repair stiles particularly the high maintenance parts i.e. the step plates and supporting ‘stobs’. Most recently we have become involved with the installation of kissing gates both metal and wooden to help improve access for all abilities.
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Why do we do it?
The Chiltern Society’s Rights of Way Group of which the PMV group is a part, actively protects and restores public rights of way in the Chilterns – in total some 4900 paths/bridleways etc. Responsibility for maintenance of the rights of way lies with County Councils which in the case of The Central Area PMV is mainly Bucks CC. The cost to the CC to maintain all the ROW even to minimum standards by contractors is high and without the support of the PMV – even prohibitive. The CC recognise the valuable contribution made by PMV with the supply of materials and modest assistance towards the running costs of the group.
How do we do it?
In the 14 or so years since the formation of the PMV we have accumulated a wide range of tools and equipment from basic loppers and bowsaws to the mechanical in the form of hedge trimmers scrubcutters and chainsaws. This equipment is towed by one of our volunteers to the days work party meeting point in our ‘customised’ trailer.
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When do we meet?
One morning per week on average 36 times a year. Each work party is on a different day each week thus enabling our volunteers to pursue their other interests. We meet at a suitable pub location at 9.30 and finish around 1.0pm with lunch during which the morning activity is discussed, friendly banter exchanged and “legs pulled” ! From an active membership of 37 we currently average 17 members per work party. This is an ideal number as there is a limit to the “manageable” numbers that can be organised by the days “leader” who will have previously carried out a survey of the work to ensure compliance with Health and Safety requirements and organised those available into suitable teams.
What do we achieve?
Quite a lot! In the current year to date we have completed 468 separate jobs spread throughout 59 parishes within the Central Chilterns area.
For ‘before and after’ examples of the type of work we undertake – see photos. |
