Our work on footpaths is organised at the Area level. There are over 50 volunteers acting as local footpath wardens, each looking after one or more parishes within Hertfordshire or a London Borough. Together we have huge experience of protecting and enhancing our footpath network. We meet monthly to discuss footpath issues and share best practice. New volunteers are always needed, especially within Hertfordshire.

District / Borough Footpath Officers liaise and advise the Parish Footpath Wardens in their area, as well as looking after their own parishes. They are the recognised communications contact for the Rights of Way Service when issuing official notices particularly on planning applications. They receive reports or correspondence about footpaths that are sent to Ramblers Central Office. They can speak for the Ramblers on matters affecting the entire district and can deputise for the parish wardens when necessary (see Contacts).

The Countryside Officer and District Footpath Officers represent footpath matters at Area Council.  Our Area Footpath Coordinator handles the administration via the  Area Footpaths email address, providing a communication link between Local Authorities, Ramblers Central Office on Area and county wide issues. 
(Photo: Former Area Footpath Secretary Mark in July  2017, pointing out the newly-created public footpath around the western side of Knebworth Park).

Around 50 Hertfordshire Parish Footpath Wardens each look after one or more parishes within Hertfordshire. They walk their footpaths a couple of times a year and report any problems to the Countryside Access Officer within the Hertfordshire Rights of Way Service.  We have a very good relationship with the Council – we are their eyes on the ground, able to tell them where things need attention. They can be contacted via the appropriate District Footpaths secretary

2 London Borough Footpath Officers liaise with the Highway Authorities in Barnet, Enfield and Haringey on rights of way issues (see Contacts).

Our Footpath Volunteers can meet monthly (mostly on Zoom) to discuss problems of mutual interest, to coordinate our approaches and to exchange best practice. Some of our meetings are informal or training sessions. We have formal minuted meetings four times a year. Within our team we have legal knowledge and wide experience of protecting the footpath network. 

Becoming a Footpath Warden: If you are interested in becoming a footpath warden please contact a District/Borough Footpath Officer or email Area Footpaths.

Guidance for Footpath Volunteers: All Footpath Officers and Wardens are registered as volunteers at Ramblers Central Office. From the  Volunteering page, go to the Document Library. The Path and Access Protection/England and Wales folder contains all the guidance and documentation you need in your work as a Footpath Volunteer.