Thanks to Wem Parish Partnership (Wem P3) residents and visitors to Wem can experience some terrific walks around our beautiful countryside.
Before the walk can be designated a’ Wem Walk’ (there are currently 7 walks with a further 5 in the pipeline) there is considerable work required to ensure it is safe, legal to walk and clearly marked.
Once a potential route has been identified mainly by reviewing Ordinance Survey maps or from local knowledge, Wem P3 volunteers survey the route, recording the work required to make the walk accessible and if stiles, kissing gates or even wooden beam bridges need to be repaired or new ones installed.
Wem P3 works in conjunction with Shropshire County Council to liaise with landowners where necessary to establish that the Rights of Way are accurate, still in existence and are accessible. Also to establish if they prefer a stile or kissing gate at access points.
The direction of the route is also recorded, identifying hazards, landmarks and where to ‘way mark’ the walk to ensure it is clear to follow- you may have seen the yellow Wem P3 circular way marker signs.
The next stage is to walk the route again to make sure that all the recorded information is correct.
Wem P3 will then schedule the work and carry out whatever is required to establish the walk including fixing ‘way markers’ to posts etc.
Finally, clear step by step directions are produced together with a map of the route under licence by Shropshire County Council.
If you’d like to become a Wem P3 volunteer and could spare a few hours usually on a Monday, we’d love to hear from you.
You’ll find we are a friendly bunch, and the work rewarding and satisfying.
All Wem Walks and our contact details are available on the Wem Parish Partnership (Wem P3) Facebook page or www.walksaroundwem.co.uk
