Access to the countryside is a major part of paragliding and hang-gliding. The Ramblers Association is doing an online survey intending to cover all public footpaths and rights of way in England and Wales. It is done by individuals or groups selecting one or more Ordnance Survey kilometer grid squares, walking the paths within the squares and reporting online or directly by phone app. The results will be used to improve access, get blocked paths opened etc.
It would be a good idea to ensure that areas around our sites are included in this survey. You don't have to be a member of the Ramblers Association to take part in the survey and you don't have to get involved in any local politics. You only have to register online, pick a square on the map and report on the state of pathways in it.
Details of the survey can be found at:
http://www.ramblers.org.uk/get-involved/join-the-big-pathwatch.aspx
Of course if it is not easy to walk the paths in a square near a flying site there is no reason not to pick one near your home or in an area you like to walk. If it seems a bit daunting look at the maps online an pick a square without too many paths to try. It will all help.
The Ramblers helped slash away at motorised and horseback access to ancient rights of way, when the CROW act was being moved through. Walkers had about 80,000 miles of old roads and paths, and there was about 8,000 miles of Roads used as Public path, By-ways, or unclassified, but they wanted most of that, too.
Given that our site access often depends on existing rights of way, if Bonnington and his Ranbler mates turned their aim towards us, we would have lots of trouble.
Got no use for them.
