WITH reference to Jackie Smith’s letter of September 2, I would like to add other points.

Footpaths suffer maximum growth by brambles, nettles etc, at the very time when farmers are busiest and walkers are most active.

PROW has lost most of its staff and must prioritise worst cases, but self-help is still a possibility.

We are entitled to go round obstacles, or beat back nettles and brambles.

Volunteer groups exist to provide help, replace waymarking discs and undertake projects like installing kissing gates.

Parish councils have “the right to repair and maintain footpaths”, and a report to the clerk can be passed on to effect improvements.

I write as a member of Ramblers and as a volunteer with the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens, who Last year 350 volunteers gave over 40,000 hours of time to work within the Cotswolds AONBTherefore, we have much experience of footpath work and effective co-operation with PROWThe Cotswold Voluntary Wardens are trained, insured, equipped and experienced. Last year 350 volunteers gave more than 40,000 hours of time to work within the Cotswolds.

Close co-operation with our local PROW is fundamental to our progress, and most of our footpath work is directed by their office.

Often it follows reports from ramblers, wardens, or that very active surveillance group, the local dog walkers.

I recommend voluntary work in retirement.

Almost all of our wardens are pensioners, most of us are 70+, and a small group are 80+.

As such, we meet the trials of age, including the grief of losing loved ones.

However, our work parties are good therapy for almost everything, and walking groups are the most accessible form of exercising for health.

Rather than going to a gym and thrashing about for little gain at great expense, I volunteer to work in stunning locations, derive great job satisfaction, and enjoy wonderful camaraderie.

After our morning’s work we retire to a pub for a pint or a pot of tea, and to set the world to rights.

In my experience, there are few landowners who remain hostile to walkers and the ‘bobble-hatted nutters’ of old.

They realise that we can gain from each other.

We all share a love of the countryside and lots of us are prepared to give something back while we have time.

J Graham

King’s Stanley