Getting people involved

So you've decided that you'd like to get a group together to promote and improve your local paths.  There may already be a path group working in your local area so you should check with your local access officer before you start setting up a new group.  You might also find that there's an existing community group who are working on other projects who'd be interested in adding paths to their remit (for example, some village amenity groups might consider extending their activities to include paths around their village).

But if there isn't a ready-made group who want to develop paths in your area, you'll need to think about how to get like minded people involved in a new group.  One of the best ways to find out who's interested in your local paths is to get out and use the paths and see who you meet!  Even on the most badly maintained, overgrown paths you might find a few dog walkers who would be interested in undertaking some improvement works.  You could also try advertising in the local shop or newspaper.  You don't have to make it sound too much like a Lonely Hearts advert, but you should be able to find some kindred spirits and you'll only need a few people to get started!

Local events can give you opportunities to canvas opinions and seek interest, so you might want to try 'piggybacking' on them.   Schools and playgroups often have coffee mornings and other events where you can put up a few posters and try and encourage families and others to get involved.  Or you could try attending local sports events – football matches, fun runs and swimming pools can all make good recruiting grounds for people who are keen to get out and about on local paths.