Gate keepers of Leeds’ 800 kilometres of footpaths looking for more volunteers

From short neighbourhood footpaths to nationally recognised trails like the Leeds Country Way, Meanwood Valley Trail, Dales Way Link and the Trans Pennine Trail, public rights of way (PROW) connect people with nature and heritage in the area.

Legally protected public rights of way across public or private land are open for anyone to use at any time.

Looking after the vast network is no small task for Leeds City Council’s public rights of way maintenance team who are supported by volunteers to keep it safe and welcoming.

John Campbell, 32, is one of the volunteers joining the team on a task day each month. He decided to start volunteering with them because he enjoys being outdoors and does a lot of walking in the countryside.

John said: "I liked the idea of giving something back and actually helping to maintain the paths that I use day to day.

“In December I helped put a handrail on a set of steps that were really quite steep and when we went back a few months later we got lots of comments from people saying how amazing the handrail was. It felt so good that something I've done is really benefitting people."

David Preston, who leads the voluntary footpath rangers, said: “The aim of this volunteering group is to offer valuable opportunities for Leeds residents to support us in our work, whilst also getting some fresh air and exercise and finding out more about our fantastic rights of way network.”

From installing signposts and way markers to resurfacing footpaths, repairing and constructing bridges, installing steps, gates and fencing, clearing fallen trees and vegetation, and surveying paths, each day is different for the team.

David said: “Every summer the focus is on cutting back vegetation to improve access, whilst also benefitting biodiversity by leaving wildflowers at the edge of footpaths and bridleways.

“Storms and tree diseases can result in a lot of fallen trees that block paths and need removing. From these we create brash and log piles which work as vital shelters for mammals, birds and insects.”

Leeds City Council manages the definitive map and statement which is the legal record of all PROW in Leeds and is also responsible for keeping the network open and accessible.

Volunteer Team Leeds, the council’s volunteering offer, provides a diverse range of ways to contribute, from city-wide events like Light Night and Leeds International Film Festival to vital volunteer befriending schemes and looking after the city’s parks and PROW.

Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for communities and community safety, said: “Volunteers are at the heart of Leeds, contributing to the city in so many vital and inspiring ways.

“It’s impressive seeing the hard work of the public rights of way team and their volunteers, in their mammoth task of looking after hundreds of kilometres of paths and connecting us to the countryside.

“I strongly encourage all residents of Leeds to join the growing community of volunteers making a brilliant positive impact through council-supported initiatives across the city.”

Volunteer Team Leeds is funded through central government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is administered locally by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

See all volunteering roles available at Volunteer Roles > Volunteer Team Leeds.

Read more about PROW and view the map at Public rights of way | Leeds.gov.uk.

Notes to editors:

Public rights of way are highways where members of the public have a legal right of passage on someone else’s land. Only routes shown on the definitive map and statement are proven public rights of way, though additional routes can be claimed and added.

You can:

• take a pram, pushchair, or wheelchair, if practical
• take a dog (on a lead or under close control)
• take a short, reasonable detour to get round any rights of way obstruction, provided it is over land in the same ownership

You can use:

• footpaths, for walking, running, mobility scooters, or powered wheelchairs
• bridleways, for walking, horse riding, bicycles, mobility scooters, or powered wheelchairs
• restricted byways, for any transport without a motor, plus mobility scooters, or powered wheelchairs
• byways open to all traffic, for any kind of transport, including cars (but mainly used by walkers, cyclists, and horse riders)

Wherever you go, do not forget the Countryside Code.