Since our first Fieldwork Day in May 1993, the Ashford Ramblers have been able to support a Sunday fieldwork event in every programme.
These have ranged across a wide spectrum of works and have covered the installation of waymark posts, the building or repairing stiles, the clearance of paths and bridleways, and the construction of bridges from the simple sleeper type right through to large 7.00 metre spans.
We are grateful for the assistance we receive from the KCC Central Kent Rights of Way Team at High Halden who never fail to find suitable work for us. With the ever present budgetary restrictions placed upon Rights of Way work from County Hall we should see our own, albeit small, input as vitally important to maintaining the network of footpaths that form the basis of our group walks.
As well as undertaking works selected by the Rights of Way officers, we have been able to input our own requirements to them. With the Rights of Way team liaising with landowners etc., we have been able undertake the opening of footpaths or the clarification of waymarking. This was particularly evident in a recent programme when we did fieldwork in both Hothfield and Kingsnorth parishes which had been identified by group members and subsequently formed part of our Around Ashford Ring Path.
The continued success of the fieldwork depends very much on the participation of as many group members as possible. Theirs is a small but regular group who can always be relied upon to turn out each fieldwork day, and to them my sincere thanks. But there is always more work to do than bodies available and we would welcome along anyone who wishes to help in this important work. I am personally convinced that we will only get out of our efforts what we are prepared to put in. If we are to continue to enjoy our walking we must be prepared to give something back in return and what better way than assisting with fieldwork?
Steve Godden
Fieldwork Co-Ordinator - 1993/2001
Reports and pictures for the groups fieldwork on the following days are available below: