Parish Paths Partnerships Scheme

The Parish Paths Partnerships Scheme is an initiative to ensure that the entire rights of way network is legally defined, properly maintained and well publicised. It has the support of the National Association of Local Councils and is government funded. The County Council was one of the first fifteen Highway Authorities to participate in this scheme, which encourages community involvement and enjoyment of public rights of way. Devon County Council is working in partnership with Parish/Town Councils, landowners and local voluntary groups. The main aim is to improve the condition of the local rights of way and keep them open and used properly.

Useful Forms

If you are an existing Parish in the scheme and would like to apply for future funding please select the online form below.

• Works Undertaken Summary (43KB - pdf help)
• Expenditure Summary (42KB - pdf help)
• Future Funding Requirements

How does it work?

The scheme works in three ways:

1.  A PARISH GRANT

Parish/Town Councils in the scheme receive a grant to undertake rights of way work. The grant, paid by Devon County Council, covers three elements -

i) The mileage, based on the length of rights of way in your Parish

ii) Special projects, and

iii) Administrative costs.

Path condition survey and inspection

Each year before the Parish/Town Council receives its annual grant it organises a survey -

1. This is an assessment of the condition of the rights of way, in order to find out what work needs to be done.
2. The survey provides the information necessary for calculation of the grant payment.

• Developments and improvements - upgrading and re-opening paths by undertaking practical work such as vegetation clearance, repairing stiles and waymarking, in consultation with farmers and landowners;
• Events - helping people to feel confident about using the network by organising, for example, guided walks and rights of way days;
• Publicity and promotion - letting people know about the availability of the rights of way network through, for example, leaflets or map boards. This is a final stage, reflecting the improved condition of the path network.

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2.  A PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

This is a simple agreement which is drawn up between the County Council and the recipients of the grant, usually the Parish Council, setting out how they will work together on improving the rights of way network.

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3.  AN ADVISORY SERVICE

The Parish Paths Liaison Officer operates the scheme and working with your local Devon County Rights of Way Warden can offer advice and training at the local level.
Types of training available:

• Starting the Scheme in your parish
• Surveying and map reading
• Practical skills e.g. working with contractors; strimming
• Health & Safety
• Parish Publicity.

Further information

For further information about the scheme you can:

• Complete the online enquiry form
• Phone the Rights of Way Service on (01392) 382084
  (If you live in Devon, please remember that all County Council numbers beginning with 38 can be called using the nearest local code for either Barnstaple or Exeter)