Vale Path Volunteers
VPV 2024
During 2024 the VPV cleared 8,095m of footpaths and other public rights of way, spending 392 person work hours to achieve it.
The start of the year was very wet which slowed operations but quickly improved with the better weather.
This year we also have assisted the Historic Ridgeway Volunteers for the National Trail, Working for the Ridgeway Partnership. This involved clearing work at the historical site of Scutchamer Knob on the Ridgway, South of East Hendred.
Due to a grant from the Trust for Oxfordshire's Environment (TOE), we obtained at new battery-powered hedge trimmer to replace, to a large extent, the use of our old petrol-powered unit. This is helping to move away from petrol powered equipment to a “Greener” alterative.
The active VPV membership is 21, normal turnout being an average of 6 at any one session.
This year we welcomed three new volunteers Trevor H, Colin L and Richard P.
I would like to thank all members of the VPV team for their support in attending the work sessions, despite the adverse weather conditions.
VPV 2023
During the year 2023, the VPV cleared just over 9.5 km of footpaths and other public rights of way spending around 625 -person work hours doing it. The team has the use of two brush cutters and a long pole petrol-engine hedge-cutter as well as a full range of hand tools.
This year we welcomed four new volunteers: Helen J, Greg & Helen B and Jim H which brings our membership to a total of 23, normal turnout being an average of 8 at any one session.
The team works with the Oxfordshire Country Council South-West Countryside Access Team, which liaises with landowners. They can also suggest paths for the team to work on. We have also received suggestions for paths to be cleared from walks leaders. This is a very important source of information.
I would like to thank all members of the VPV team for their support in attending the work sessions. We have been fortunate in the weather conditions this year were on our side during most of the work sessions.