If you or someone you know would like a copy of this document in another language or format, (on occasion,

only a summary of the document will be provided in translation), this can be arranged by contacting the

Customer Service Centre on 01738 475000.

You can also send us a text message on 07824 498145.

All Council Services can offer a telephone translation facility.

www.pkc.gov.uk (PKC Design Team - 2017117)

Perth & Kinross Council Community Path Group Development Guide

Created by Perth & Kinross Council Community Greenspace 2017

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Contents

Introduction 2

Starting Out 4The Need for a Path Group Establish What Is Already Going On

Setting Up or Formalising A CommunityPath Group - What You Need to Know... 6

Paths - The LegalitiesGroup StructureConstitutionsHealth and SafetyInsuranceValuing Volunteer Time

Preparation and Planning 10Establish What You Want To AchieveIdentify Priority PathsExplore What Is On Your DoorstepAssess What Work Is RequiredCreate an Action PlanMake the Case for SupportFundraising

Time for Action 14Shared ResponsibilitiesMaintenance v’s ImprovementTools of the TradeCreate a Welcoming Entrance (Signposts)

Celebrate Your Achievements 16

Case Studies 18

Essential Contact Details 20

Cover image: ©photosbyzoe/Zoe Barrie

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The Perth and Kinross area boasts spectacular scenery across a 2,000 square mile area and offers fantastic walking and cycling opportunities. Community Greenspace is working together with local groups to maintain, improve and promote our shared open spaces for all to enjoy. A key part of that is to keep our paths networks in good shape and we need to work together to do that. Our paths maintenance is prioritised but due to public spending restrictions we’re not able to maintain the entire path network, which is largely on private ground, to the standards we would like. There is a growing network of volunteer paths groups across Perth and Kinross engaged in practical work to keep paths in their own areas open with the support of Community Greenspace.

Introduction

The benefits of a well-planned, maintained accessible path network reach far beyond economy, recreation and health. It can be a focus for community involvement. Not everyone will want to be closely involved in running or managing a group, but by organising community events to help with particular aspects, you will raise awareness and encourage pride of place and a sense of ownership. This in turn is likely to encourage more responsible use and behaviour.

This booklet contains guidance, information, contact details and links to further information with the aim of supporting appropriate and effective community-led action on paths in the Perth and Kinross area. Our intention is that this booklet appeals to those who are establishing a new path group and to those who are already active with their local community path group.

It is important to note that community needs, expectations and capacity vary greatly; groups will develop at their own pace. This booklet is not a blueprint providing all the information you and your group will ever need, therefore we encourage you to adapt the advice provided to suit your location and community and to make use of the links and contacts supplied for additional support.

Community Greenspace may be able to help support you by providing your group with a small grant (£500) which can be used to help fund tools, materials and even fuel for power tools. We can also provide training on the use of tools, arrange insurance cover and give a wide range of advice in getting started - this booklet explains how.

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Together, we can make a difference.

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Starting Out

The Need for a Path GroupA community with a good network of welcoming paths has many benefits:

• easy access to the great outdoors;

• a better quality of life; supported by a healthier, active lifestyle;

• increase in visitors (benefiting the local economy);

• improved links and understanding between those who work the land, and those living locally.

Much of the knowledge, enthusiasm and capacity to make a difference to local paths sit within the communities themselves. Perth & Kinross Council has been supporting environmental volunteer action since the early 1990s - we know the value of community involvement, the power of volunteering and the rewards that can be gained.

Often it takes a catalyst to bring people together with a shared purpose. This might be: reduce path maintenance by the Council, concern about the condition of local paths, aspiration to improve one path in particular, or to better promote paths in the area.

Establish What Is Already Going OnBefore starting to make plans for your local paths, try to find out if anything is happening already and whether there have been past attempts that you might learn from.

To do this we recommend that you:

• contact Perth & Kinross Council Community Greenspace to find out if there are any plans to develop the paths in your local area now, or in the near future;

• make contact with your local Community Council, they may also be able to help with knowledge of past, present or future plans - you can find details of Community Councils in Perth and Kinross at www.pkc.gov.uk/communitycouncils;

• establish if there are groups or individuals in your area who are working on their own plans for paths. News of this might be available via social media, or local press.

Is there an existing path group? You can find details of existing groups at www.pkcvolunteers.wordpress.com/perth-and-kinross-community-path-groups/

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Setting Up or Formalising A Community Path Group - What You Need to Know…

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Paths - The LegalitiesEveryone has a right of responsible access over most land in Scotland for recreation and other purposes. Access rights extend to horse riding and cycling but do not include motorised access. Local Authorities have a duty to uphold these rights and powers to keep paths open. Read more about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code at www.outdooraccess-scotland.com

Cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users have access rights too. Not every path can be made accessible for all users, but where it is practicable, path maintenance and path improvements should be planned with multi-use in mind. So, in terms of field crossings, a gap is better than a gate, which is better than a stile, which is better than a barbed wire fence.

You should always seek landowner* consent before planning any works on private ground. This can prove to be difficult, but your local Greenspace Ranger is available to help establish relationships and to make introductions. Paths groups wishing to undertake maintenance to core paths can be formally authorised to do so by the Council.

*For owner read land manager. You may need the consent of the landowner or the tenant, or both.

Group StructureIt is important to have a well-structured, organised group to inspire confidence in your activities. It is important that everyone involved in the group should have an equal say, however the group’s work will run more smoothly if different individuals take on specific roles. As a minimum, each group should appoint:

• Chairperson

• Secretary

• Treasurer

ConstitutionsIt should be noted that voluntary groups are not legally required to be formally constituted, however it is advisable to do so for several reasons:

• many funders will only give financial support to constituted groups;

• a constitution sets out the group’s objectives in a clear format;

• it enhances your group’s identity;

• it provides rules to ensure that the group is run and managed appropriately.

Perth & Kinross Council Community Greenspace can provide advice on this and example constitutions from existing volunteer environmental groups. Perth & Kinross Association of Voluntary Service (PKAVS) can also offer advice and support at www.pkavs.org.uk

If your group is seeking financial support, you will be required to keep appropriate records and to ensure that any conditions attached to the funding are met.

Health and SafetyIt is important that volunteers undertaking path surveys or practical path work do so safely. The following are the main issues to keep in mind:

• First Aid;

• lone working ;

• clothing and personal protective equipment;

• weather;

• working around the public;

• appropriate tool use and maintenance**.

Community Greenspace can offer valuable advice on Health and Safety precautions to ensure that

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your group carries out its work safely and legally. We can also provide your group with:

• a model Health and Safety Policy;

• examples of risk assessments (eg use of hand tools and power tools) for you to adapt to local circumstances;

• insurance cover.

**PKC does not under any circumstances support or authorise the use of chainsaws by volunteers on our land. If there is a fallen tree or overhanging branch that needs addressing by chainsaw, please report it to Community Greenspace and we will arrange for our licenced contractor to attend under the terms of our Tree and Woodland Policy.

Insurance Community Greenspace already provide basic insurance cover for a number of paths groups and will continue to do so subject to budget constraints. Additional cover, eg for tools or buildings, can be arranged but you would need to fund this yourselves.

It is essential to arrange public liability insurance at an early stage. Your group will need minimum of £5 million public liability insurance to undertake work on PKC ground and other landowners may well insist on this too.

As an alternative The Conservation Volunteers TCV (www.tcv.org.uk) can also arrange affordable insurance for paths groups.

Valuing Volunteer TimeRecording your volunteer hours is an extremely worthwhile exercise, particularly when seeking external funding or grants. Your volunteer time has a value and this can often be used to attract match funding (‘in kind support’) or for demonstrating your groups’ commitment to a project when applying for grants. For example, one volunteer hour worked equates to £8.45 (at time of publication in 2017). By recording your hours and adding them together with the rest of your group’s efforts you will soon see this is a useful tool.

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Preparation and PlanningEstablish What You Want to AchieveIt is sensible to define objectives before you start. This may be in relation to a particular issue or path, or the paths within a defined area. It is important to set out what you want to achieve and to define realistic limits to that. Don’t walk before you can run

Identify Priority Paths There is something to be said for ‘start here, start anywhere’. Unless members have relevant experience, it is better to start small. Choose a task you know will make a difference and you’re sure you can complete. Create a list of straightforward tasks that need doing, get the group together as regularly as time permits and get through those tasks.

Job satisfaction is quickly found in clearing an overgrown path or making a clogged ditch run again. These small achievements help to build momentum and attract new volunteers to join in.

Tackling larger projects is exciting and rewarding in the long term, however it is essential to deliver small victories for your group in parallel, to ensure that momentum and interest does not drop.

Explore What Is On Your DoorstepWhen starting to make plans for improvement you must first find out what is already there; to do this we recommend that you look into:

• whether there is an existing promoted path network in your local area;

• what routes local people and visitors use;

• where would people like to go?;

• do you have landowner support?;

• are there places people would like to go but can’t find a route?.

A good starting point for Perth and Kinross is to contact Perth & Kinross Council Community Greenspace. Our team will quickly establish if there are recorded rights of way, core paths or promoted path networks in your local area.

Some routes known only to the local community may not be mapped, recorded or promoted; therefore it is useful to consult with a broad range of people (local, visitors, tourism providers etc). This can be achieved through word of mouth or asking for comments on a map made available in local library, schools, cafes, supermarkets etc.

When consulting on path locations and preferred routes, it is advisable to have a map of the area to hand - a line on a map is considerably easier to interpret than a verbal or written description.

Hosting a public meeting is a great way of gathering interested people together to hear their thoughts and opinions; it also provides an opportunity to get them to draw on the map, or to sign up to help. It will also be of benefit to speak with landowners; they might suggest or have comments regarding routes on their land.

Assess What Work Is RequiredA path survey will be required to establish which routes your group wish to work on, and to identify the work that needs to be done to improve them to the level you wish. It could also provide information that can be used for promotion.

Advice and information on types and methods of survey can be found on the next page. These also

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give details on the methods of construction and design considerations.

• Upland Path Management - Standards for delivering path projects in Scotland’s mountains Upland Path Advisory Group: www.snh.org.uk/ pdfs/publications/heritagemanagement/UplandPathManagement.pdf

• Lowland Path Construction - A Guide to Good Practice Paths for All: www.pathsforall.org.uk/pfa/lowland-paths-guide/lowland-paths-guide.html

• Path Survey and Construction - The Basics Paths for All: www.pathsforall.org.uk/component/option,com_docman/Itemid,166/format,raw/gid,1533/task,doc_view/tmpl,component/

Paths for All also offer courses for community groups on this topic: www.pathsforall.org.uk/pfa/training/community-paths.html

Create an Action PlanTo ensure that your group continues to move forward, it is important to plan your tasks and give a reasonable timescale for completion. Discussing and creating an ‘action plan’ for your group on a regular basis is highly recommended. This will help your group to establish:

• what needs doing;

• who does what;

• when it needs to get done.

Creating this and reviewing it regularly will ensure that you and all your group members are clear on how each task will be achieved, by whom and to what timescale.

TASK DETAIL WHO? TIMESCALE

Contact landowners Discuss the aims of the group, assess the willingness of the landowner to co-operate and establish how they might help (equipment, labour, maintenance, funds).

Earl E Bird End June

Survey existing paths Record and report back on the work required for each identified route.

Chris P Bacon Mid July

Contact funding/advisory bodies

Contact relevant bodies and explain the aims of the group and ask what assistance might be available.

Iona Ford August

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A checklist of all known activities linked to a path project is also advised (to ensure nobody gets missed, or a vital stage of the action plan is not lost).

An example of a new path project checklist would be:

Identify and justify the need for work.

Contact landowners/managers and agree works.

Identify priorities.

List practical tasks.

Contact funding/advisory bodies.

Identify need for promotion/advertisement.

Create a maintenance plan.

Opening/celebration day.

Make the Case for Support Whatever the size or scale of your path project, gaining the support of others is essential. Their support may be financial or donations in kind, including labour, materials, equipment or treats to keep your volunteer workforce happy. Making ‘a case for support’ will help your group to share your message concisely with all potential and existing supporters.

The work of paths groups links directly to Perth & Kinross Council’s Strategic Objectives from our Corporate Plan:

1 Giving every child the best start in life.

2 Developing educated, responsible and informed citizens.

3 Promoting a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy.

4 Supporting people to lead independent, healthy and active lives.

5 Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations.

Other supporters, including funders, may be particularly interested in the health benefits of physical activity, the economic impact of better path networks or the environmental benefits of active travel. Community Greenspace can help you to make your case.

FundraisingMany of our existing paths groups have been successful in fundraising for path promotion, maintenance and improvement projects. The availability of funding sources is constantly changing but most groups will be happy to share experiences - good and bad.

Perth & Kinross Council Community Greenspace, Paths for All (www.pathsforall.org.uk/pfa/support/grants-a-funding.html) and PKAVS (www.pkavs.org.uk) are able to help you identify funding opportunities available in your local area.

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Time for Action

Shared ResponsibilitiesIt is important that your group has more than one active member; individual activities are fantastic, but nobody can do it all alone and there are great social benefits from working together. Play to your volunteer’s strengths and don’t be shy when delegating tasks. Whether it is counting the spades in and out, updating risk assessments, sorting out the details with the landowner, or baking a cake for the task tea break, each member has something to contribute.

It is equally important to understand your limitations; many tasks can be tackled by volunteers with hand tools, other tasks lend themselves to power tools or bigger machinery: such tasks are best given over to skilled contractors.

Paths for All, Perth & Kinross Council and local paths groups have a wealth of experience so don’t be afraid to ask for advice or support.

Maintenance v’s ImprovementPaths don’t look after themselves but simple maintenance can usually keep routes fit for purpose without the need for more major and expensive repairs. Perth & Kinross Council will continue to keep up maintenance on the paths felt to be most important as part of its overall grounds maintenance regime. Our local schedules can be shared with your group to highlight the routes we maintain and to ensure we’re not tackling the same routes.

Many landowners maintain paths on their own ground, either because they use them themselves, because they are in receipt of grants to maintain them or simply because they recognise their importance and are well placed to do so.

There is a difference between maintenance, which is essentially about maintaining the status quo, and

path improvement which is about changing the surface, opening up a path to new users, or installing new infrastructure. Unless you own the land, written agreement is required before path improvements can be carried out. Planning consent and approval from government agencies (such as SEPA or SNH) may be required too. Please seek advice from Community Greenspace unless you are sure this is not required.

Tools of the TradePaths groups may need to procure their own tools for path maintenance tasks. For vegetation management much can be achieved with secateurs, loppers and bowsaws. Potholes and drainage issues can be tackled with spades, shovels and mattocks. As above (Shared Responsibilities) larger tasks lend themselves to power tools, bigger machines and skilled contractors. Don’t bite off more than you can chew, at least to start with.

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Create a Welcoming Entrance (Signposts)The Scottish Outdoor Access Code ensures that we have the ‘right to roam’, yet many of our routes and paths are under-used. Paths are no different from any other recreational facility. If they do not feel welcoming or safe, people will not use them and they will fail to reach their full potential.

Overgrown entrances, overhanging trees, encroaching verges and flooding are visible factors that might prevent people from using your path. The entrances to paths are not always obvious and even if it is clear, appealing and open, it might not be obvious where the path goes.

Signposting at the start of a path is the most obvious way of advertising its existence and providing

sufficient information to allow people to find their way with confidence.

Waymarkers are required where there is a choice of route. They can also provide confirmation that people are still on the correct route; this may seem unnecessary to someone who uses the route regularly but it will make the newcomer or visitor feel reassured.

Rather than go into the detail of signpost planning and design here, we recommended you read ‘Signpost Guidance for Outdoor Access’ produced by Paths for All and Scottish Natural Heritage.

Signposting is just one tool for promoting path use. Appropriate use of leaflets, map boards, articles in the local press, led walks and events are all important tools in promoting paths to various target groups, more information on this is available in the next section - Celebrate Your Achievements.

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Celebrate Your AchievementsThe best way for your community to celebrate your achievements is using the path network and continuing to encourage others to use it.

You should celebrate whenever you complete a phase of work, or make significant improvements/progress. Let the local press know what you have achieved and what impact you believe it will have. Support your news with a selection of photographs. As well as for your own satisfaction, this type of publicity will help to source future funding.

It is important that you provide adequate notice when inviting the local press; they often work to tight deadlines.

Social media has immense value for the promotion of community projects, activities and resources; in many cases it has replaced ‘word of mouth’ as a promotional tool. In 2011 over half of visitors to the Highlands shared their experiences online after they returned home (54%) with 42% uploading photos (eg to Flickr) and 30% updating their Facebook status regarding their trip. 13% left reviews on a website such as TripAdvisor [HIE Visitor Survey (2011)] - letting them know that your group is responsible will lead to increased promotion.

Locally you can raise the profile of your path and group by hosting guided walks or making use of the paths during events or festivals.

Other ideas for organised events include:

• sponsored walk, ride or cycle;

• treasure hunts;

• fun runs;

• Big Fit Walk.

Ensure that you invite all interested and involved parties, for example:

• volunteers;

• landowners, farmers, estate managers;

• sponsors;

• local businesses;

• local councillors;

• local schools;

• local ramblers or health walk group.

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Case StudiesTo help inspire you we have included the following case studies from already established paths groups.

The Michael Bruce Way is a three mile long circular walk through the conservation villages of Kinnesswood and Scotlandwell, on the east side of Loch Leven in Kinross-shire, and is entirely within the parish and Community Council area of Portmoak. It was created in 1997 as the Tetley Trail with funding from the Tetley Tea Company. The agreement with Tetley ran out in 2002 after which responsibility for the Trail fell back on Portmoak Community Council, with support from Perth & Kinross Council, apart from two sections which are on land owned by the Woodland Trust. The Community Council continued to raise funds through local subscription to pay for grass-cutting and other basic maintenance until in 2013 it became clear firstly that, because of budget cutbacks, financial help from Perth & Kinross Council would be minimal in the future, and secondly that some more substantial work would soon be required. After some discussion the Community Council, with the support of Perth & Kinross Council Ranger Service, called a public meeting in January 2014 at which it was decided to form a Paths Group to organise volunteer involvement in the maintenance of The Michael Bruce Way and other paths within Portmoak, and also to investigate funding for some more substantial improvements. The decision was taken early on to keep it under the umbrella of the Community Council, essentially as a working group reporting directly to the Community Council. There had in fact been an earlier Paths Group under

the aegis of the Community Council, very much involved with the Community Council’s submissions on the Core Path Plan. Also there was already a separate bank account set up specifically to look after funds for The Michael Bruce Way.

Since then a lot has happened. We now have a regular programme of maintenance work on the paths through the spring and summer, with a team of volunteers. The Community Council continues to raise funds to cover grass cutting on part of the Trail, costs of tools and materials for the regular maintenance programme, and also the local component of any larger projects. The main project so far has involved employing a contractor to make substantial improvements to two of the most difficult sections of The Michael Bruce Way, the major part of the costs being met by grants from Paths For All and Perth & Kinross Council’s Community Environment Challenge Fund. Funding was also obtained from Tesco’s Environment Fund to pay for a strimmer/brush-cutter which is now in regular use. The Michael Bruce Way continues to be the main focus of our activity, but we also undertake work on the part of the Dryside Road between Easter and Wester Balgedie. We are now looking to put together another project to improve another difficult part of The Michael Bruce Way and also to replace some gates and stiles on both paths. Signage is another issue we hope to tackle soon.

Portmoak Community Council Paths Group

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Blairgowrie and Rattray Access Network (BRAN)BRAN was formed in 2015 as the local community saw a need to maintain the paths in the wider Blairgowrie area for the benefits of local people and visitors alike. Since then, we have come on leaps and bounds taking on large sections of paths and becoming trained to use strimmers, Flail and other equipment.

The group manages the River Ericht Trail as well as other promoted path routes with only guidance from Community Greenspace when required. Within their constitution BRAN also carry out work on the Cateran Trail. Our activities range from one or two people out walking and doing some cutting back as they go, to work groups of up to 15 people who cover larger stretches and have a significant impact.

2016 saw the start of our campaign to keep the local Core Path network clear of obstructions, mowed and generally in a state where walkers can enjoy the experience and views offered by our many attractive walking routes. We are active all year round and while our work in the summer is important, it does not stop in the winter when we concentrate on keeping bushes and low tree growth in check.

We have been very fortunate to retain a loyal following of volunteers since our inception in 2015 and have recruited a number of new folk who regularly offer their time. By managing the

maintenance plan effectively the weekly call for volunteers is focussed; we are clear what the specific needs are in terms of work content and it is easier for helpers to offer time when appropriate to their individual skills and capabilities.

Our volunteers do a very valuable job and whilst the work content is very real, all enjoy the experience with good company and more than a few laughs along the way!

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Essential Contact Details

About UsCommunity Greenspace is involved in the management of a number of diverse sites and path networks across Perth and Kinross.

There is a growing network of paths groups engaged in practical work to keep the paths in their own areas open, each group being supported by a Greenspace Ranger. Volunteers help sustain the future of these crucial sites for public access, tourism and biodiversity. Our Greenspace Volunteers Blog provides an insight into the activities undertaken by the Greenspace Rangers and volunteers, showing how this contribution provides a vital resource for our shared greenspaces:

www.pkcvolunteers.wordpress.com

For details of local ‘bloom groups’ please visit:

www.prideinperthshire.co.uk

If you require any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us:

Community GreenspaceThe Environment ServicePerth & Kinross Council Pullar House35 Kinnoull StreetPERTHPH1 5GD

Tel 01738 475000Email communitygreenspace@pkc.gov.uk

AcknowledgementsThanks to Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust and our Path Groups for sharing their photos with us.

If you or someone you know would like a copy of this document in another language or format, (on occasion,

only a summary of the document will be provided in translation), this can be arranged by contacting the

Customer Service Centre on 01738 475000.

You can also send us a text message on 07824 498145.

All Council Services can offer a telephone translation facility.

www.pkc.gov.uk (PKC Design Team - 2017117)

Perth & Kinross Council Community Path Group Development Guide

Created by Perth & Kinross Council Community Greenspace 2017