Volunteers Sought to Maintain Leeds’ Extensive Footpath Network

Supporting Leeds’ 865 Kilometres of Public Rights of Way

Leeds City Council is seeking more volunteers to assist in maintaining the city’s extensive network of public rights of way (PROW), which spans approximately 865 kilometres across woodlands, city streets, farmland, riversides, and open countryside. The network includes well-known routes such as the Leeds Country Way, Meanwood Valley Trail, Dales Way Link, and the Trans Pennine Trail.

Role of Volunteers in Footpath Maintenance

The council’s public rights of way maintenance team is responsible for keeping the paths safe and accessible, with support from volunteers who contribute to a variety of tasks. These tasks include:

• Installing signposts and way markers
• Resurfacing footpaths
• Repairing and constructing bridges
• Installing steps, gates, and fencing
• Clearing fallen trees and vegetation
• Surveying paths

Volunteers work alongside the team on monthly task days, often focusing on cutting back vegetation during the summer months to improve access while maintaining biodiversity by preserving wildflowers at the edges of paths and bridleways.

Volunteers’ Experiences

John Campbell, a 32-year-old volunteer, joined the group due to his interest in walking and being outdoors. He shared his experience of installing a handrail on a steep set of steps, noting the positive feedback from path users after the work was completed. John said the opportunity to contribute to the upkeep of paths he regularly uses was rewarding.

David Preston, who leads the voluntary footpath rangers, highlighted the benefits of volunteering, including fresh air, exercise, and gaining knowledge about the local rights of way network. He also explained how the team manages challenges such as fallen trees caused by storms or tree diseases, using the timber to create natural habitats for wildlife.

Legal Status and Management of Public Rights of Way

Public rights of way are legally protected routes that allow the public to pass through private or public land at any time. Leeds City Council manages the definitive map and statement, which legally records all PROW in the city, and is responsible for ensuring the network remains open and accessible.

Different types of rights of way include:

• Footpaths: for walking, running, mobility scooters, or powered wheelchairs
• Bridleways: for walking, horse riding, bicycles, mobility scooters, or powered wheelchairs
• Restricted byways: for any transport without a motor, plus mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs
• Byways open to all traffic: for any kind of transport, including cars, though mainly used by walkers, cyclists, and horse riders

Users are encouraged to follow the Countryside Code when using these paths.

Encouragement to Volunteer

Councillor Mary Harland, deputy leader of Leeds City Council and executive member for communities and community safety, emphasised the important role volunteers play in the city. She encouraged residents to consider joining the volunteer community to support the maintenance of Leeds’ footpaths and other council-supported initiatives.

Further Information

Volunteer opportunities are available through Volunteer Team Leeds, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and administered locally by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Interested individuals can find out more and view available roles at the Volunteer Team Leeds website.

For more details about public rights of way and to view the definitive map, visit the Leeds City Council public rights of way page.