Our History

Founded in 1998 following an appraisal of the Parish of Urchfont conducted in the previous year, we are a local voluntary group affiliated to the British Trust of Conservation Volunteers (BTCV), and supported by Wiltshire County Council.

Our Vision

'To see that the Public Rights of Way in the Parish of Urchfont are sustained in a manner that is sensitive to the environment, and provide access for residents and visitors. We support this by working in co-operation with landowners, public authorities, voluntary groups and other organisations to maintain and improve the network of Public Rights of Way for the benefit of all members of the community and to encourage their use by local residents and visitors'.

What we do......

Definition of a 'Right of Way' : member of the public may travel, either on foot, horseback or by vehicle, according to the designation of that RoW. Many RoWs have existed for hundreds of years, some, such as Roman roads have existed for thousands of years. Even where a RoW crosses private land public access cannot be denied without legal agreement between the landowner and the County Council. In the context of this voluntary group, the term Rights of Way excludes public roads and their footpaths. There are 49 Rights of Way in the Parish of Urchfont, extending over 24 miles (39.10 kms).

Our Achievements

• Completed two comprehensive surveys of all the RoW in the Parish, recording their general condition and detailing all maintenance and improvement work required
• Co-ordinated local voluntary effort to support the RoW maintenance programme, with the support of Wiltshire County Council and local farmers and landowners
• Produced a pack of 11 circular walks, along RoW in the Parish, of varying lengths and degree of difficulty
• Production of Heritage maps of Urchfont and Wedhampton
• Raising funds for the installation of Kissing gates to improve access for peoplewith walking difficulties
• Adopt a Path scheme

• Clear overgrown vegetation
• Repair surfaces
• Build stiles
• Add or improve safety features (like handrails)
• Display directional signs
• Cut and surface steps

Fund Raising

• Apply for grants and public funding for specific purposes
• Sell walks packs
• Organise fund-raising activities

Publicise our work through

• The Group and its work through local publications & BBC Wiltshire Radio
• Through our own newsletter
• The Parish Rights of Way
• Special events
• Photographic displays available on request

Take the Initiative

• To devise, publish and sell the walks pack
• To promote access for those with walking difficulties by raising funds to install kissing gates
• To conduct and make continuous use of an annual survey on the condition of our Rights of Way
• To work in co-operation with landowners, local councils and other bodies
• Provide guided walks for local societies

Working Parties

• Take place on the 3rd Saturday of each month using a willing group of volunteers, of all age groups and capabilities.
• Tasks vary, depending on time of year, but include the cutting back of vegetation (using everything from secateurs to power brush cutters), to stile and step repairs, installation of kissing gates, and even bridge building.
• New volunteers are very welcome. Please join us !
• For more details contact either Paul Melhuish (840413) or Nigel Fowler (840031)

Adopt a Path Scheme

• This involves volunteers taking responsibility for general oversight of one or more footpaths (or parts of longer footpaths).
• They are asked to report back on specially prepared forms, details of the footpath's condition throughout the year.
• From these reports, remedial action can then be programmed into future working parties.
• This ensures that all paths are maintained in a good and tidy condition.
• A certificate is issued to volunteer adopters.
• Interested ? - then contact Paul Melhuish 840413

See the Heritage Map and Rights of Way Walks Pack on the publications link of the home page.