Grass roots round up
•Two West Glamorgan Ramblers who have worked tirelessly to help map out Wales’ national coastal path have won the South Wales Outdoor Adventurer of the Year award. Volunteers Andrew Morgan and Zetta Flew produced reports for seven local authorities, from Monmouth to Swansea, recommending the route for the path, which opens in 2012. West Berkshire Ramblers (pcitured) celebrated installing its 100th gate on behalf of the council, after five years of work — the equivalent of one every 18 days. More than 20 Ramblers volunteers were involved, led by Colin Honeybone.
•The Isle of Wight Ramblers has presented its secretary, Joan Deacon, with a special achievement award. Ramblers trustee Kate Ashbrook said: “Joan has been a stalwart over the past 40 years. We owe her so much. ”
•A new bridleway bridge spanning the A2 near Canterbury will open in February after the Ramblers advised the Highways Agency and local authorities over plans. Eugene Suggett, Ramblers’ senior policy officer, said: “Busy, multi-laned roads and bypasses can cut off communities. The Highways Agency should be congratulated on providing all types of non-motorised users with this safe linkage of footpaths and bridleways. ”
•Lake District Ramblers has been helping Cumbria County Council install new gates to open access land, conduct footpath surveys and map easy-access routes on local fells and moors for those with limited mobility.
