ALTON Ramblers are proving that they are not just about walking and talking but also get involved in the hands-on maintenance and improvement of the footpaths they use.

And they are encouraging other members to join them.

According to former chairman Chester Whapshare, Alton Ramblers organise a schedule of walks on a weekly basis to achieve their aim “to keep fit by wandering the footpaths of Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex”.

But, says Mr Whapshare, they are aware that “some of these pathways have been with us for 800 years and we are keen to maintain them and their Right of Way status”.

“In the last two years, we have installed six kissing gates, 50 way marking posts, a boardwalk, steps and sleeper bridges,” he said.

More recently, Alton Ramblers working parties have installed a boardwalk on Selborne footpath number 46, close to the SGS listening station at Oakhanger, and several kissing gates at Pyes Farm, Four Marks, together with several sleeper bridges over ditches in the area.

The group has, he says, clocked up a total of 1,551 volunteer hours to do this work and complete routine clearance on overgrown sections.

“We share some of the paths with horses and cycles and pathways deteriorate in several ways. There is a continual need to keep them open and Hampshire County Council does not have the resources at this time to complete the job, so Alton Ramblers co-operate with the county council’s countryside access rangers team to help deal with their heavy load,” said Mr Whapshare.

To achieve this the group has been supported by the county council, enabling it to acquire its own equipment – for example, a brush cutter bought with the help of the authority’s small grant scheme.

According to Mr Whapshare, a more challenging project is to be undertaken shortly at Kingsley, when members will be working with the Countryside Access rangers who will provide the necessary timber and nails.

And he added: “The Ramblers’ Association is a registered charity because of the volunteer hours that our members put in to maintaining footpaths. We are mostly retired folks and enjoy the opportunity of putting something back into society.”

While not all of the volunteers in the footpath maintenance teams are members, and Alton Ramblers welcome anyone willing to come along and help, in the knowledge that all volunteers are covered by Ramblers’ Association insurance.

Mr Whapshare said: “While path surfaces and way markings are the responsibility of Hampshire County Council, landowners are responsible for side foliage, stiles and gates. However, the county council very often is obliged to clear vegetation and install gates as well as mending signage. The Alton Ramblers are committed to supplementing the resources of Hampshire within the 19 parishes of our district and we also work closely with our parish councils.

“Our footpath network is unique and most of us are able to walk from our house to join the pathways. We should be proud of them and keep them safe.”

Alton Ramblers would be delighted to hear from anyone who can spare some time to help work on the footpath network or who would like to walk with the group. Call 01420 23323 or visit altonramblers.org.uk.