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A collaboration with nature
Path Maintenance Volunteers
One of our key priorities is to help people enjoy exploring the Chilterns. And whilst nature can claim the glory for carving out the stunning views that make this area so special, our Path Maintenance Volunteers deserve credit for silently guiding us through it.
Their work protecting and restoring public rights of way makes the Chilterns far more accessible to walkers, cyclists and horse riders alike. For many years now, budget limitations have prevented local authorities doing as much path care work as they would like, so the Chiltern Society stepped in and now our three PMV teams are recognised and applauded for the valuable contribution they make to promoting and improving countryside access.
What do they do?
There are 4,900 paths and bridleways in the Chilterns and our Path Maintenance Volunteers complete hundreds of tasks each year to preserve them, including:
stiles and steps
fallen trees
new gates
overgrown nettles and brambles
and waymarkers
We have 3 PMV groups operating throughout the Chilterns
South Chilterns
When? Three mornings a month, generally on two Wednesdays and one Saturday.
Where? South Oxfordshire.
Interested?
Central Chilterns
When? One morning a week. Each work party is on a different day each week enabling volunteers to have a flexible approach.
Where? Over 50 parishes within Buckinghamshire.
Interested?
North Chilterns
When? First and third Wednesday of every month.
Where? The Dacorum and Chilterns part of Central Bedfordshire.
Interested?
Why do we use the gates we do?
Selecting the type of gate we install can be a long process that involves several external stakeholders:
Landowners: A landowner’s needs play the central role in the decision. They will consider factors like livestock management and security, and this may lead to the use of metal gates.
Funders: Funding partners – such as county councils, countryside organisations, or individuals – often have specific preferences like materials used or accessibility. These need to be aligned with the landowner’s requirements.
Installation: Once the details are agreed upon, our PMVs step in to coordinate and plan the installation, ensuring everything runs seamlessly.
Have you thought about becoming a Path Maintenance Volunteer?
Plenty of enthusiasm and a good pair of boots are all you need to join one of our Path Maintenance teams! Working in the outdoors, meeting like-minded people and getting fit are only a few of the benefits of helping out… The frequent pub lunches after our sessions is another perk!
See our PMV schedule
