Volunteers help keep riders and walkers on the right path 

Published date

Bridleways across Worcestershire have been given a clean up by a new group of volunteers to ensure that they are accessible to all. 

Working closely with Worcestershire County Council to maintain its rich network of bridleways, monthly work parties have recently started with volunteers from the British Horse Society and Worcestershire Bridleways and Riders Association.   

Over the winter, they have battled all weathers to clear routes working on bridleways across the whole county, giving local riders and walkers more opportunities to experience the countryside. 

Councillor Mike Rouse, Worcestershire County Council Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Transport and Highways, said:  

“Our volunteers are really getting stuck in and have a genuine love for their local bridleways. When people ride or walk down a path, they may well be looking at the work of a volunteer. 

“The relationship between Worcestershire County Council and local groups is mutually supportive; without which we would not be able to provide the quality path network we do.  

“It is fantastic that our volunteers can boost the resources that the county council has, it makes a massive contribution to people’s experiences when they go out and about.’’ 

Most recently, a group of nine volunteers started some heavy clearance of overhanging branches and bramble in Alvechurch, where overhead branches were making it difficult for walkers, let alone riders.   

With a limited budget targeted at carrying out the highest priority work, volunteer groups play a major role in making sure that the little things that matter in the countryside get done. 

There are over 16,000 individual paths across the county, all of which take a great deal of effort to maintain and keep in good order. 

Worcestershire County Council’s role is to help preserve and protect the county’s environment for future generations. The Council has now agreed to invest in environmental measures that protect our natural environment, enhance our biodiversity and reduce our carbon footprint.

Visit the Public Rights of Way Volunteering pages of the County Council website to find out more about path volunteer groups in your local area.