Trailblazers: Celebrating the Impact of Footpath Volunteers
Eilidh-Ann extols the virtues of local footpaths, access to the countyside and community pride.
The little village of Strontian is a place with a well developed community spirit. A recent collaboration between High Life Highland Countryside Ranger Service and the Sunart Community Company to improve access to the network of paths around our rural community. After many months this has resulted in the creation of a Footpath Volunteers Group.
Meeting once a month on Sunday afternoons, our group of volunteers work tirelessly to maintain and improve the area's paths and green spaces, ensuring they remain accessible and enjoyable for all. The volunteer sessions not only focus on practical conservation work but also foster a sense of camaraderie and pride – the feel good factor!
April saw our volunteers rolling up their sleeves to breathe new life into the area outside the Strontian Village Hall - it received a much-needed makeover as we replaced old planters and weeded the entrance path. The lovely new planters were donated by a member of the community and now create a welcoming atmosphere for all who visit the hall.
The improved entrance path ensures safer (less slippery) and easier wider access, reflecting the community's pride in this focal point of the village. Some very welcome tea and cakes were donated by the Sunart Heritage Group at the end of the afternoon to replace some of the spent energy.
May: Enhancing Strontian Community Woodland
In May, our efforts shifted to the beautiful Strontian Community Woodland and our volunteers worked on a variety of much needed tasks. One group focussed on footpath improvements, ensuring the path stays mud free and is safe for walkers of all ages.
A second group spent the afternoon removing moss and lichen growth from the wooden bridge to preserve the bridges structure and prevent slipping in wet weather.
A third group really rolled their sleeves up and got to work dismantling some old picnic benches that had passed their best. This has made some spaces available that we hope to fill in the future with some shiny new benches.
These improvements have made the woodland a more enjoyable and safer place for nature lovers and families.
June: Tidying Up the Woodland
June's session continued the work in Strontian Community Woodland with a focus on removing vegetation encroaching onto the paths and tidying up the area around a picnic bench.
Originally a Policy Woodland, the Community Woodland is home to over 60 species of tree, and some of these trees have ID plaques that were put in many years ago. The posts are now rotting away, so we collected in the plaques with plans to clean and replace them, helping visitors learn about the diverse tree species in the woodland.
This meticulous care ensures the woodland remains a cherished local asset, promoting both recreation and education.
July’s Plan: Clearing the Back Road
Looking ahead to July, our volunteers will tackle what is known local as the back road (‘An Rathad Cuil’ between the village and the church). This well used local footpath will benefit greatly from having leaf litter and mud removed from the surface and removal of some encroaching vegetation. We also hope to purchase some gravel to fill in a few of the larger pot holes so we hope that many hands will once again make light work!
This ongoing work demonstrates the commitment of the community footpath volunteers to maintain Strontian's paths and communal spaces, making them accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Thank-you one and all.
Join Us! All welcome!
Our footpath volunteer sessions are open to all who share a love for nature and community service. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or new to the idea, your contribution is invaluable. Join us at 2pm on Sunday July 7th and be part of a movement that makes a tangible difference in our beautiful village of Strontian.
Together, we're not just maintaining paths and green spaces; we're creating a stronger, more connected community. Your participation helps ensure that Strontian remains a vibrant and welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.
Come along, lend a hand, and experience the joy of making a positive impact in our community!
Eilidh-Ann Phillips has been a countryside ranger in the wild, captivating expanse of West Lochaber since 1996. Now, as the High Life Highland Senior Ranger for South Highland, she is integral to a vibrant network that connects communities and schools to the nature, inspiring a collective appreciation for wildlife and heritage. Under her guidance, a passionate team of rangers across South Highland is dedicated to conserving the region's stunning beauty and wilderness, nurturing the next generation of guardians for the area’s breathtaking landscapes.