VOLUNTEERS are needed to keep an eye on public rights of way across the county as spring and summer inject life into everything from hedges to weeds.

People are being asked to sign up to ‘Adopt a Path’ and report any issues such as overgrown stiles or gates, missing or overgrown signposts or way-marks and overgrown vegetation.

Anyone can help get involved when they are out and about on their favourite BOATs – public footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways and byways open to all traffic.

And they can take it a step further by helping to keep pinch points – signposts, stiles and gates – vegetation-free.

In return, Somerset County Council will provide help and advice, cover under its insurance policy, and provide secateurs and gloves to help volunteers keep paths in tip-top condition.

A county council spokesman said: “We have more than 6,000km of paths in Somerset, ranging from short urban cut-throughs to long distance trails.

“This scheme is designed to be completely flexible and really is as easy as walking the dog – perfect for those who want to help the community but don’t have the time to commit to a more time demanding role. 

“Volunteers are simply asked to adopt paths they will walk no less than four times a year, and most incorporate it into routes they walk on a more regular basis.”

There is also the England Coast Path Trail Watcher scheme ,which is similar to Adopt-a-Path but with a specific focus on the National Trail, currently available between Brean and Minehead.

For more information on these schemes, email [email protected] or apply online at volunteering.somerset.gov.uk.