Monmouthshire Branch Supports Countryside Access

Monmouthshire Branch Supports Countryside Access

Monmouthshire has an extensive network of rights of way which are vital for access to the countryside. Offa’s Dyke and the Three Castles Walk are nationally recognised trails which are well used and well maintained. Monmouthshire County Council’s Countryside Access Team do a great job in the maintenance and enforcement of rights of way. However, despite it best efforts, there are 282 bridges in need of repair or replacement. (see picture below) As well as this there are over 7,000 issues across the network. The team is assisted by an increasing number of voluntary groups who have started to make a real difference across the county.

CPRW Monmouthshire has recently completed a joint project to upgrade a footpath around the solar farm in Llanvapley near Abergavenny. An application was made to the advisory group which acts on behalf of the two community interest companies which own the solar farm, and funding was provided for ten kissing gates to replace wooden stiles (see picture below) The branch also contributed a significant amount to show its commitment to the project. The success of the project has encouraged the branch to reach out to communities to find out which routes are particularly important. At a meeting in September with the Countryside Access Team, CPRW members explored the idea of providing further support for these priority routes which will enable the team to improve countryside access in areas in which they will be well used.