Wistow Village

The County Council and Natural England are about to build on a highly successful 25-year partnership to further improve the County�s rural path network (footpaths, bridleways & byways) across Cambridgeshire.

Over the last quarter of a century an army of volunteers has been working across the county to keep paths clear, report problems, put up waymark arrows and to organise walks in the countryside.

Now thanks to a �2,000 grant from Natural England, the County Council is about to expand the network of volunteers and provide further training for existing and future recruits.

County Council Cabinet Member for Community Infrastructure, Councillor Steve Criswell, said: �With over 3,000 miles of path, 100 parishes and many active volunteers across the county, the more support we can give the better so this grant from Natural England is very welcome.

�The money will be spent on developing practical skills among the volunteers so they can learn how to install gates and waymarks, develop a range of other skills such as how to produce maps for guided walks and the best ways to help expand and maintain the network of paths.�

Fiona Taylor from Natural England, said: �It�s fantastic that so many people give their own free time to enable others to enjoy Cambridgeshire�s beautiful countryside. I�m delighted that Natural England can help those volunteers to achieve even more for people and for nature.�

The oldest footpath in Cambridgeshire was first recorded in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth I and helping to maintain this ancient network can take many forms.

For further information on becoming a volunteer call 0345 045 521 or go to:

www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/environment/countrysideandrights/