Blog from our National Trails Volunteer manager - Roger Baker
As we approach the final few weeks of the year, I can hardly believe how quickly time is flying by. I’ve been in post for just over two months already, yet it seems like only yesterday that I started this exciting new role as the National Trails Volunteer and Projects Coordinator. With nearly 300 miles of trail to oversee, a workshop of tools to manage and the most important resource, our precious volunteers, to utilise, it’s no wonder my feet have hardly touched the ground!
It has been brilliant getting up to speed; learning from my experienced colleagues and the volunteers who are wealth of knowledge. With most of the elearning complete, in the last few weeks I’ve been managing to get out and about in the beautiful countryside and start making a difference. At this time of year there is no shortage of work to do, cutting back of the woody vegetation before it sprouts spring growth next year. In the workshop there’s a backlog of signposts to construct, and then the satisfying job of installing them on the trail to ensure people don’t get lost. Wherever I’m working, on the Ridgeway or the Thames Path, it’s hugely rewarding to engage with the passing public and hear how appreciated the hard work is.
I was also privileged to meet two notable dignitaries in November; firstly the BBC Berkshire local radio team and Pudsey Bear as they walked three-legged along the Thames Path for Children in Need. Then later that same week I met the Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Lady Howe, at the Ridgeway 50 Photos Exhibition. I was able to use these opportunities to share the invaluable work our volunteers make in helping to connect the public with nature and the outdoors. There’s never a dull day in this job!
We’re always on the lookout for more volunteers to support our efforts. Whether you are interested in becoming a monitor, responsible for walking sections of the national trails and reporting any issues you might find; or help in a practical capacity working to maintain the excellent access the network provides to the countryside, please get in touch (roger.baker@oxfordshire.gov.uk) to register your interest or learn more about the opportunities we offer.
