Why paths are important and how to look after them

Paths connect us to each other and to nature

Paths play a vital but often overlooked role in our communities. They connect us to nature, to each other, and to the places we need to go.

They are places for us to walk and wheel safely, which is good for our health and wellbeing.

Good paths are for all

A good quality path is more than just cleared ground. It’s the difference between a muddy, impassable route and a welcoming invitation to explore.

Quality paths mean:

• safe surfaces that don’t become slippery or waterlogged
• appropriate widths that accommodate wheelchairs and buggies
• clear signage that helps people to find their way
• regular upkeep to keep plants and trees from blocking the path.

When paths are well-maintained, they open the outdoors to everyone. This includes families with pushchairs, older people, wheelchair users and everyone else.

Good for you and the planet

Walking has huge benefits both for personal health and for our environment. But these benefits are only accessible when people have safe places to walk.

Quality paths are essential for enabling walking and wheeling in our communities. When people can use paths to get to places like schools and shops, they’re more likely to leave their cars at home. This shift away from driving reduces traffic pollution and carbon emissions.

Besides getting you from A to B, paths offer fun, relaxation, and a connection to nature. They make it easy for everyone to enjoy the outdoors and feel the mental health benefits of natural spaces.

Paths connect people and communities

Paths connect more than just locations; they also connect people. Well maintained paths allow neighbours to meet, children to play, and communities to become stronger.

Help your local paths: small actions, big impact

You don’t need special skills or a lot of time to help your local paths. Here are some simple things you can do that can make a big difference:

Quick path maintenance tasks you can do:

• Pick up litter: Take gloves and a bag with you when you walk and collect any rubbish you see. Then, throw it away properly.
• Trim plants that are growing over the path: Bring gardening gloves and small cutting tools to snip any small branches that are blocking the way.
• Create homes for wildlife: Put the branches you trim in a neat pile away from the path. This can create homes for insects and small animals.
• Clean signs: Use gloves and a cloth to wipe off any dirt on information signs so they are easy to read.
• Report bigger problems: Tell your local Access Officer if you see things like flooding or damaged surfaces.

You can do these simple tasks while you are already out for a walk, and they will make the paths nicer for everyone. They are also great things for families to do together.

Join your local path group

Community groups bring together people who care about the paths in their area. They organise days for maintenance, plan improvements, and speak up for better walking paths.

Even an hour of your time can help keep these important community areas in good shape for everyone to enjoy.

You can find your local community path group through your community council or development trust. Local community Facebook pages are also a great place to look. Our Community Paths Guide has more information about joining or starting a new path group.

Take the first step today

The quality of our paths depends on how well we care for them. By helping out, you do more than just improve a path. You help build healthier communities, protect nature for everyone, and ensure everyone can enjoy a simple walk.