Collaboration leads to 30% more cleared crossfield paths

Essex County Council and Essex Area Ramblers (EAR) have teamed up to ensure crossfield public paths, that are being illegally obstructed by growing crops, are cleared to be enjoyed by walkers.

Essex has an extensive network of just under 4000 miles of Public Rights of Way (PRoW), enabling all of us to freely enjoy active travel in some fresh air amid the natural beauty of the county’s landscapes.

Sometimes, however, footpaths across arable fields are unwalkable because they have been ploughed or are obstructed by crops. Farmers are legally bound to reinstate them but occasionally neglect to do so. Essex Highways has been dealing with and enforcing such issues on crossfield paths for years, but in some instances the response time has been rather slow for what is obviously a time-constrained problem. This can be particularly frustrating in cases which involve the same paths year after year.

Simon Taylor, Essex Highways’ PRoW Enforcement & Liaison Officer, and members of the EAR agreed a streamlined process, involving greater EAR involvement in reporting and monitoring issues on crossfield footpaths. Members would identify a longstanding problem path, report the issue on our existing public ‘Tell Us’ online tool but at the same time forward the report with a photograph to the EAR Area Footpath Secretary, who would in turn copy this direct to Simon.

The Landowner or farmer can then be contacted and take whatever action was necessary to ensure the footpath was suitably reinstated. EAR members also agreed to help with the follow-up, checking paths that the landowner/ farmer had stated were clear but failed to provide photographic evidence, or where there had simply been no response.

Councillor Lee Scott, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways Maintenance and Sustainable Transport, said: “I am thrilled with the collaboration we have created with the Essex Area Ramblers. It has meant that this summer we were able to enforce 30% more cropped crossfield paths than previous years.”

“PRoW routes can help the people of Essex introduce healthier, more enjoyable activity into their lives. And it also lets people explore more of the beautiful and interesting outdoor space we have in the county. By ensuring these routes are clear and safe we are one step closer to a safer, greener and healthier Essex. All we ask is that walkers stick to the routes and follow the countryside code.”

EAR members have praised both the collaboration and the results and by working with Essex Highways, EAR members have been able to bring real benefits to all walkers.