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The Parish Paths Stewardship Scheme
Volunteers make a significant and welcomed contribution to the management of the rights of way network in South Somerset. This contribution was recognised nationally by a Countryside Commission initiative - the Parish Paths Partnership. Although this particular scheme ended in 1999, Clare Freeman explains how the initiative has been kept alive in South Somerset.
Background
A 2005 survey showed that only 30% of the 121 parishes in South Somerset had
any form of volunteer activity on the rights of way network. It therefore seemed
timely to revitalise a sense of local stewardship, particularly as there was
increased interest from some local groups and individuals. A number of parishes
wanted to get involved with the maintenance or promotion of local paths but
felt they needed some training and support to get started. It was also apparent
that even though efforts had been made to reach-out to parishes and explain
the role and contacts of the countryside service, this information was obviously
not getting through to enough people. It became increasingly clear that a more
consistent and comprehensive approach was needed to ensure local groups and
volunteers could see the potential of what could be achieved and how they could
request the necessary help. An information pack was produced explaining the
assistance and support available for parish projects and this was branded the
Parish Paths Stewardship Scheme.
What does the scheme aim to achieve?
The scheme primarily should improve performance relating to public rights of
way. That means, increasing the total length of routes that are open, signed
and way-marked. Naturally it is hoped that other benefits will follow, such
as:
How is it funded?
Funding comes from the regular revenue budget for the countryside service. No
extra finance was sourced for the scheme and money is directly invested into
equipment and materials for local volunteers. Volunteers can also source additional
funding from the Community Access Fund managed by Somerset County Council.
Are partners involved?
The key partnership in making the scheme work is between the District Council
and the local parish representatives. Some of these local reps will be closely
associated with their parish or town council but this is not always the case.
Somerset County Council is keen to increase community involvement across the
whole of the county and this District scheme is a pilot.
Reaching the target audience
The scheme was promoted by issuing promotional material to volunteers on our
database. In addition we mailed parish and town councils with the instruction
to pass the letter to anyone who may be interested in the scheme. We also issued
press releases, which stimulated interest often by people not associated with
their parish or town council.
The launch events included presentations by both Countryside Rangers and volunteers. The events involved participative exercises and the intelligence gathered helped inform developments to the scheme. The highest need identified was for volunteer training and for a set of “frequently asked questions”, with answers.
The local context
South Somerset District Council has a long tradition of community development
and volunteer engagement so our approach sat comfortably with the way most staff
and elected members already worked. Some cynics may have deduced that using
volunteers is one way of getting jobs done “on the cheap”. Our District
Council has an ongoing process of identifying financial savings – but
in reality it is the lack of suitable or available contractors and the availability
of eager volunteers that are the key drivers which have led to the scheme’s
development. In addition, this year the District received Beacon Council status
for ‘Getting Closer to Communities’ so this scheme sits comfortably
within this initiative.
Staff involved?
It was clear that this was a scheme the Countryside Rangers and admin staff
would have to deliver and support, so their collective involvement was pivotal
from the start. Their input ensured a workable and realistic scheme based on
their experience of what was already effective and what ideas could be brought
in to improve things. Staff helped in the planning and delivery of promotional
workshops and information packs. In the delivery of the scheme Countryside Rangers
provide volunteers with advice and guidance, identify training opportunities,
monitor volunteer’s work and undertake risk assessments. The role of elected
members was also crucial in raising the profile of the scheme with local communities.
How do you assess success?
The most significant performance measure is the Best Value Performance Indicator
for public rights of way (RoW). This is measured every six months looking at
various parameters which are converted into a percentage score. We hope the
current 50% score will rise to 60% by March 2006. We will also continue to consult
with our parish representatives about their experiences of the scheme and how
it can be sustained and developed.
In summary
The Parish Path Stewardship Scheme should bring about increased effectiveness
in managing the RoW network. However there was no extra funding allocated nor
staff employed to manage the scheme. The key thing needed was a change in the
way the Countryside Service packaged and provided information for volunteers.
Together, the various events and the information pack stimulated the possible
options, anticipated queries and made clear how things are done. But crucially
the scheme requires countryside rangers to empathise with the needs of volunteers
and only through genuine teamwork between rangers and volunteers will the scheme
work for everyone.
If you would like to receive a copy of the information pack on CD please email Clare Freeman.
Clare
Freeman: Countryside Manager
South Somerset District Council
01935 462918