The Chiltern Society’s group of South Chilterns Path Maintenance Volunteers (SCPMV) is a well-supported volunteer group which improves local rights of way in parishes in the South Oxfordshire part of the Chilterns National Landscape (formerly known as the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).
Over the years, the SCPMV has replaced over 400 stiles with gates making access to the countryside easier. TOE has funded more than 75% of these via applications submitted by the volunteers on behalf of The Chiltern Society. Typically each grant replaces about 10 stiles to create stile-free circular walks close to a village. The routes invariably pass a pub so walkers can stop for refreshments on the way, or build up an appetite for a meal afterwards.
The volunteers also undertake scrub clearance when rights of way become overgrown on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council. Wanting to reduce their carbon footprint, the volunteers are updating their equipment and TOE has also provided funding for battery operated brushcutters.
We know a lot of time goes into preparing the grant applications submitted by the group who often need permission from several neighbouring landowners. The Grant Panel consider their applications to be excellent as SCPMV projects demonstrate partnership work involving contributions from the landowners, Oxfordshire County Council’s Public Rights of Way team and often the Parish Council.
TOE believes that community groups like the South Chilterns Path Maintenance Volunteers play a vital role in keeping rights of way open and accessible. Projects delivered by the SCPMVs are good value for money as the only costs are for materials as the work is undertaken by their skilled team of volunteers.