Promotion
From GPG
Historically, a rights of way officer's role has been to ensure that a path is suitable for its purpose, but stopped short of improving the quality of user experience any further and only rarely did it include promoting and publicising routes or interpreting the landscape for the benefit of users. Such additional roles were typically left to Countryside Services, National Parks, or voluntary groups.
With the countryside now being a major source of pleasure, recreation and healthy exercise it really is becoming an archaic concept to separate the two roles of (a) facility provision, and (b) utilising those facilities better for the public's benefit. It is surely a reasonable assertion these days that all RoW staff should have at least a basic knowledge of such skills and incorporate them into their work.
Publicity of the basic networks is increasingly a realistic possibility now that Definitive Maps and areas of Access Land can be put on websites. This is particularly true now that computer access at libraries is widely available. This electronic mapping on the web is a basic step which all authorities are urged to achieve.
Cornwall County Council has digital maps on the authority's website showing a range of council services including public rights of way. The maps are easy to use and the key is very clear.
The publicity of particular routes and walks collections is a matter which is currently dealt with quite effectively by both the public sector through local authorities, and by the private sector including walking clubs and private publishers. For more information see National Trails.
The provision of 'Interpretation' of things seen in the countryside and the landscape itself can add a great deal to the enjoyment (and education) of those using our paths.
- the wildlife of the countryside is both interesting and important. It needs to be understood and looked after. <li>such measures enable one to explain why something is important, what its role is, and why the public are asked to leave it alone.
- an explanation of the built environment, including houses, walls, man-made lumps and bumps, former extractive sites etc, adds a dimension of time and heritage to what might otherwise might be seen as just 'pretty'.
Methods for passing on such interpretation to the public have traditionally been by publications, guided walks, and information boards.
Let's hope that the coming together of various interested bodies to form Natural England will help to create a more holistic approach to access issues and include within their remit these issues of promotion, publicity and interpretation.
