Burnham-On-Sea residents are being invited to join a new River Parrett ‘Trail Watchers’ scheme.
The project asks for volunteers to monitor a stretch of the River Parrett Trail to act as the county council’s eyes on the ground, informing the Rights of Way Team when work is required to repair or replace stiles and gates, or when vegetation needs clearing from overgrown paths.
Trail Watchers are not required to do any practical work but, by reporting any maintenance work needed, they help look after the trail route and ensure it continues to be enjoyed by many people throughout the year.
It is hoped the River Parrett Trail will eventually have a number of volunteers registered as ‘watchers’ along the whole of its 50-mile route, which stretches from Chedington in Dorset through South Somerset to Bridgwater Bay and Burnham-On-Sea.
Trail Watchers has been set up by the River Parrett Trail Project thanks to funding from LEADER+, DEFRA and the River Parrett Trail Partnership.
Councillor Hazel Prior-Sankey, Somerset County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Transport and Waste said: “This scheme will enable the County’s Rights of Way Team to work much more closely with local people to ensure that when a problem occurs it can be remedied quickly and efficiently.”
If you are interested in volunteering for the Trail Watchers Scheme, contact Kate Jenkins, Somerset County Council’s River Parrett Trail Officer, on 01823 356156.
Our photo above shows Mandy Lane, the first ‘trail watcher’ holding a member’s support pack, with Grant Turner (County Council Rights of Way, Community Development Officer).
