Path Maintenance Volunteers Group
News and news archive

Central Chilterns

December 2009

During the past twelve months, in addition to the routine jobs of path clearance, stile repairs and the installation of steps and waymark posts which are passed to the group by Bucks County Council, we have installed 48 gates, most of which have replaced stiles in line with the County's policy of 'Access for All'. Not only is Stuart Gulliman's 'Donate-a-Gate' scheme continuing to provide a steady supply of donated and match-funded gates, but even more are now resulting from donors ticking the gift aid box thus enabling the Society to claim back the basic rate tax.

The gates we install range from simple pedestrian gates to large mobility kissing gates which are designed to allow less-mobile path users to pass through on their buggies or wheelchairs. We are aware of occasional criticism from those who dislike the metal gates, but it must be remembered that the type of gate is subject to the agreement of the donor, landowner and County Council and there are often situations where a wooden gate is simply not practical.

One of the most satisfying jobs we do is to put a ‘lost’ path back on its definitive line, particularly if later on it is seen to have been well used and kept clear – unfortunately not always the case.

Appreciation must be expressed not only to individual members for their hard work and commitment but also to the work party leaders who spend a considerable time ensuring the smooth running of the working parties. This involves survey visits to decide the nature of the work, risk assessment, tools required and who is trained to use them, the number of volunteers needed for each job and the logistics of getting them and the equipment to the site. Our quartermaster, Barnaby Usborne, deserves a special vote of thanks for looking after our stock of tools and the trailer, which he loads, unloads and usually tows to the meeting place.

Our efforts are very much appreciated by Bucks County Council with whom we enjoy a good working relationship, and also very often by path users who pass by as we are working. We have a full complement of volunteers and also a waiting list, which is an indication that what we do appeals to those who enjoy a period of physical labour followed by a social hour or so at a local watering hole.

October 2007

Over the past 12 months, the PMV have been extremely active with an increase in the volume of work undertaken. The number of separate jobs received from Bucks CC has risen by 20% to 546, all within the 59 parishes covered by the Central Chilterns PMVs, an excellent achievement from just 33 working parties and despite the cancellation of two sessions for safety reasons due to adverse weather conditions.

The current active membership is 35, with an average attendance of 17, demonstrating the continued interest and commitment of our members.

The success of the Donate-a-Gate scheme has slightly changed the emphasis of our work. Some 40 gates have been installed by PMVs up to the end of June 2007, with more to come.

The re-establishment of lost footpaths to their definitive line on Stoke Common involved major clearance and four separate visits involving the whole group and the help of a mini-digger to remove stumps and roots which would otherwise have been a serious hazard to walkers (see photographs).

Appreciation must be expressed not only to individual members for their hard work and commitment, but also to work party leaders and our 'quartermaster' who spend a considerable time ensuring the smooth running of the working parties. This involves survey visits to decide the nature of the work, risk assessment, the tools required and who is trained to use them, the number of people required and the logistics of getting them and equipment to the site. The quartermaster, Barnaby Usborne stores the trailer and loads it with the tools required for each job. He also ensures material stocks are maintained, tools serviced and tows the trailer to the morning's meeting point.

The contribution made by the Path Maintenance Volunteers is invaluable, not only to Bucks CC but to all those who benefit from improved and safer access to the Rights of Way network.

During the past year, a few members have been lost on health grounds and the PMVs are looking to increase their numbers, so if you are looking for some physical activity one morning per week, please contact Stuart Gulliman, via the Chiltern Society office to discuss a trial run.

South Chilterns

The South Chilterns Path Maintenance Volunteers working in the Oxfordshire Chilterns. Tasks completed so far this Winter season (December to end February)

January 2010

2 Jan – Simplified 'Woodstock' metal gate installed on Goring Heath footpath GH29 grid ref SU 6359 7985
2 Jan – Cleared Newell's Lane footpath M7 Chazey Heath (500m)
2 Jan – Cleared footpath M10 Chazey Heath (350m)
2 Jan – Removed tree fallen across footpath M11 Chazey Heath
23 Jan – Installed 'Oxford' wooden kissing gate on Harpsden footpath HA10 grid ref SU 7449 8109
23 Jan – Installed 'Oxford' wooden kissing gate on Harpsden footpath HA10 grid ref SU 7440 8090
27 Jan – Cleared Ewelme footpaths EW 22 and EW 38 (700m)
27 Jan – Cleared northern section of Benson footpath BN19 (Chiltern Way Extension) (600m)
27 Jan – Cleared Crowmarsh bridleway CM16a (70m)
27 Jan – Cleared Nuffield footpath NU 31 (Chiltern Way Extension) (600m)

Note that gate installations in all circumstances will have included the removal of a stile.

December 2009

2 Dec – 'Aston' wooden gate installed on Goring Heath footpath FP44 grid ref SU 6587 7890
2 Dec – 'Woodstock' metal kissing gate improvement on Goring Heath footpath GH26 grid ref SU 6313 7911
9 Dec – Cleared Cox's Lane, Stoke Row SR4 (approx 200m)
9 Dec – Cleared Stoke Row SR7
9 Dec – 'Woodstock' kissing gate improvement on Goring Heath footpath GH26 grid ref SU 6306 7915
9 Dec – Existing gate stabilised plus fence improvement at Shepherd's Green, footpath RG35 grid ref GR SU 7140 8328
30 Dec – 'Aston' wooden gate installed on Goring Heath footpath GH34 grid ref SU 6547 7953
30 Dec – Cleared unsurfaced County road from GR SU 6239 7943 to SU 6153 7971 near Gatehampton (650m)

Note that gate installations in all circumstances will have included the removal of a stile.

 
Replacement of a stile with a gate, under the ‘Access for all’ initiative.