Countryside

Nearly 6,500 people signed the Ramblers petition on the No. 10 website calling for the government to repeal the legislation which will extinguish thousands of unrecorded rights of way in 2026.

In response, the government will establish a group to explore the issues surrounding recording historic rights of way on the definitive map.

Ms Davis welcomed the postponement of the cut off until after the group has reported. She said: “By the time the petition closed on 1 July 2009 nearly 6,500 people had signed. That made it overwhelmingly the best signed petition in the ‘environmental’ section of the Downing Street website.

“It collected near double the amount of signatures of its closest runner in the category, before it closed. Many thanks to everyone who signed.

“We are very pleased that the Government has re-affirmed its commitment not to pursue the implementation of the cut-off date until after the Stakeholder Working Group has reported.

“The Ramblers is part of that group which comprises representatives of user groups, landowners and local authorities. We are hopeful that a number of constructive ideas will be presented to the government by the end of the year which will improve the legislation surrounding the recording of paths on definitive maps, to the benefit of all concerned, so that the need for a cut-off date is either removed or its effect on the network of unrecorded routes reduced.”

Read the full Government response to the petition.

Read more about Discovering Lost Ways

The above article originally appeared in the Ramblers Website

Image via Wikipedia

The Brecon Beacons National Park have produced audio trails available from their website.  These are described as

“your personal guide to exploring the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Fforest Fawr Geopark “

What are audio trails?

Audio trails are recorded guides that you can download onto your MP3 player, iPod, mobile phone or PDA to accompany you on your walk. However, you don’t have to listen to them on site, you can download them on to your computer and listen to them at home before you leave.

By Kind permission of Carole Morgan

The audio trails available are:

Fossils and Firebricks trail – This audio trail reveals the geological and industrial heritage found between Pontneddfechan and Sgwd Gwladus and contains interviews with a number of experts who have worked in and studied this area for years.

Goblin Gwladus trail – This audio trail presents the information provided in ‘Fossils and Firebricks’ in a way that appeals to 7-11 year olds – and those that like a good old story.

Powder Trail – This audio trail, produced by Forestry Commission Wales, reveals what life was like working at the Gunpowder Works at Pontneddfechan.

Waterfalls and Wildlife podcast- This fifteen minute recording features interviews with Brecon Beacons National Park Authority staff who discuss the rich biodiversity found along the path between Sgwd Gwladus and Pont Melin-fach.

Clicking the links above will take you to the download pages.