21/9/2009 - Volunteers clear the path

Countryside volunteers were out in force last week to clear a bridleway in South Lakeland.

Cumbria County Council’s countryside access team enlisted the support of around 10 helpers to remove stones from a 200 metre section of the route between Beckside and Aikrigg, to the south of Killington Village on Thursday (September 17).

They worked with a local farmer to pick up and collect fallen stones making sure that the bridleway is now free of obstacles.

The original project was submitted to the Cumbria Rights of Way Improvement Plan by a member of the public living in the village. The aim of this plan is to take forward projects such as this which improve the fabric of the countryside. This project has only been possible because of the support from the landowner and the efforts of the countryside volunteers.

Countryside ranger Eve Borrino said: "The route we were working on is an attractive and historic track with some great views, and although it wasn’t too difficult to negotiate on foot, the large amount of loose stone caused problems for people on horseback.

"Thanks to everyone’s hard work stones of all shapes and sizes have been removed and the route is accessible for the public to enjoy.

"For this type of work we really rely on the time and effort of our dedicated volunteers, who do a wonderful job in helping us out."

Ron Barrow, countryside volunteer added: "This is a good example of countryside volunteers making a real difference; simple clearance of fallen stones has improved accessibility substantially."

Media enquiries to media officer John Ballard on 01228 226330