Parish Paths Partnership (P3)

The Parish Paths Partnership, or P3 for short, is a unique way for local people to celebrate and care for paths in County Durham.

Getting Involved in the Parish Paths Partnership

The Parish Paths Partnership (P3) provides grants to locally based community groups and parish councils to improve and promote the rights of way network in their area. The overall aim of this grant is to make the local rights of way network open and available. Grants of 100% are available for eligible physical works and volunteer support whilst grants of 50% are available for eligible promotional activities.

Physical Works

100% grants are available for:

• Repairing or replacing stiles, pedestrian or equestrian gates.
• Signposting and waymarking paths.
• Clearing scrub and vegetation.
• Carrying out surfacing, drainage and path stabilisation work.
• Building steps.
• Building bridges.

50% grants are available for:

• Repairing or replacing fieldgates.

Works can be carried out by contractors, direct labour or volunteers. Unfortunately grants cannot be provided where a sealed surface is required.

Here is one example of what can be achieved with a P3 grant:

Gainford and Langton Parish Council carried out the second phase of path improvements to a popular circular route this year. After the success of drainage works on a boggy bridleway, the Parish went ahead with works to drain and surface a connecting path.

Volunteer Support

100% grants for volunteer support are available for:

• Insurance
• Administration
• Training
• Equipment

P3 recognises the importance of volunteers and seeks to develop their skills by providing opportunities for training.The type of training provided includes; surveying paths, drawing up work plans, working with contractors, setting up a voluntary path group, map reading, building stiles, waymarking, rights of way law, the definitive map, safe use of tools, health and safety, first aid, designing leaflets.

Promotional Activities

50% grants for promotional activities are available for:

• Guided walks or other events
• Displays
• Parish Path map boards
• Newsletters
• Leaflets

View two recent and exciting P3 leaflets. Use Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the following.

Stanhope 3 Colour Challenge

Stanhope Leaflet.pdf (2 pages, 1.2mb)

Ouston and Urpeth Ramble

Ouston Ramble Leaflet.pdf (2 pages, 1.4mb)

Improving Paths

A step by step approach.

1. Contact ME

Elaine Field (P3 Officer)
Access and Rights of Way
Countryside Group
Environment
Durham County Council
County Hall
Durham
DH1 5UQ

Tel: 0191 3833355

If you are interested in getting involved, I will be happy to speak to your parish or group. If you don't have a group, or a parish sub-group already, I can advise you on how to set one up.

2. Encourage Local Involvement

Involving the wider local community is rewarding and makes the best use of local knowledge. It also helps to share the workload and can be sociable and fun too.

3. Carry out a survey of local paths

It is important to survey paths for the following reasons:

• To become familiar with local paths (you may find some paths you didn’t know you had).
• To find out what problems exist.
• To identify the most appropriate paths for improvement or promotion.

In surveying paths you will need to make a record of the presence and condition of signposts, waymarks, stiles and gates. You will need to make a note of obstructions and to summarise the general surface condition of the paths. (Forms and training can be provided to help you to survey paths.) Taking photographs is also helpful as you can use these as a reminder of the problem and to use when discussing works with others. It is also a good 'before' record.

4. Draw Up a Work Plan

This identifies what work needs doing and who will do it. If the survey throws up a lot of problems you might need to do the work in phases. Start with the easy work first. Decide if you want a contractor to do the job or if you want to do it yourself. Again, I will be happy to advise you on this.

5. Speak to the Landowners

Landowner consent must be obtained before carrying out any works on their land and they remain legally responsible for the structures (e.g. stiles, gates).

6. Submit a P3 Application Form

Complete and return a P3 application form then wait for confirmation of funding before starting work.

7. Do the Work

If you are doing the work yourself then P3 can provide you with training, materials and tools. If you are supervising volunteers you need to take particular care with regard to their safety and welfare. Remember 100% grants are available for insurance premiums.

8. Tell Everyone About It

Don't forget to publicise your work. This lets people know which paths are now available. It also builds support locally for future works and encourages volunteers to get involved.

9. Submit your P3 Claim Form

Claim your grant. In most circumstances the grant can be paid within 2 weeks.

10. Celebrate!

Don't forget to pat yourself on the back for all of your hard work.

Local Case Study

Wolsingham Wayfarers

Wolsingham Wayfarers was founded in 1992 with the support of Wolsingham Parish Council. The aim of the group was to survey, repair and care for the 155 paths in the parish. From the start the Wayfarers realised how important it was to work in partnership with local farmers and landowners.

The Wayfarers are an open organisation and any member of the public is welcome to attend their monthly meeting and contribute to their work. The Wayfarers contribution to the improvement of the local path network has been substantial. Listed below are examples of the group's achievements.

• Surveying all the paths in their parish
• Waymarking paths
• Liaising with landowners
• Repairing stiles and gates
• Installing signs, steps and bridges
• Producing self guided walk leaflets - these leaflets are available from local shops and The Dales Centre, Stanhope, Tel: 01388 527650
• Installing a map showing rights of way in the Market Place
• Holding a monthly guided walk
• Displaying annually at the Wolsingham Show.
• Supporting other groups interested in to starting up
• Acting as consultants to a guide book writer
• Securing funding
• Designing and creating a Family Walk, which provides an easy access route around Wolsingham

The Wayfarers recognise that there is still much to be done to improve local paths but their enthusiasm and varied skills will ensure continued success in the 21st century.

Also See

View the map of active Parishes
Environmental Projects.
Access and Public Rights of Way.