Royston Volunteer Centre manager Denise Graham’s regular look at the voluntary sector in North East Herts

Spring is in the air, and now the weather is improving what better way to lift the spirits than to get out into the countryside and walk in the fresh air?

There are plenty of lovely places to ramble at your leisure both in our local area and further out into Hertfordshire.

But have you ever wondered how the footpaths across these areas are maintained so that they are accessible for us to enjoy?

Well, it’s all thanks to the lovely people who volunteer as Footpath Friends to help the Countryside Management Service monitor local routes which could be part of their regular walk, or of particular interest.

Footpath Friends observations are fed back to the CMS, and they then organise the necessary action.

So how can you get involved?

Just contact us and we can arrange for CMS to send you a starter pack which explains the role, provides guidance on how to monitor routes, and other important information.

Previous experience is not necessary and volunteers receive any necessary training to support their role, as well as resources such as maps and survey forms.

Each volunteer has an allocated member of staff who is available to answer any queries and provide support where it is needed.

Agreed travel costs to and from training days can be claimed and volunteers are kept in touch through regular newsletters.

So what are you waiting for – put your best foot forward and volunteer!

You can find the centre Royston & District Volunteer Centre in the Royston Town Hall Annexe, Melbourn Street, Royston, SG8 7DA

Phone 01763 243020, email info@roystonvolunteer.org.uk or visit the website at www.roystonvolunteer.org.uk