February 17, 2010
All paths lead to Battleby
The ever growing number of walking festivals that run over the summer months stand as testimony to the hard graft of the many hundreds of volunteers who work in and around their communities helping to build the paths that so many enjoy. Next month sees Scotland’s first national networking conference for local people who help to build community paths
Scotland’s first national networking conference for people working on community paths
Communities from all around Scotland have been working for many years to develop paths and promote related healthy outdoor activities. This is the first national opportunity for these groups to meet, learn from each other, share ideas (i.e. planning, fundraising, building, signposting, promoting and finding innovative approaches to improving access at a local level) and plan ahead. Anyone with an interest is welcome; community groups, agencies and local authorities. The dialogue between everyone is important.
If you are keen to learn more about working on paths in your local area and to make contacts with others this conference is for you. If you are already involved come and share your knowledge and experience with others.
This action packed event will provide opportunities to:
• Find out about community path projects from around the country
• Learn how local path groups can work successfully in partnership with other organisations
• Get some top tips for funding
• Meet other people and make some new contacts
• Share ideas and experiences
• Understand more about where you can get help and support
• Think about how local groups, agencies and access authorities can work better together
The conference will also introduce the 2 National Path Demonstration Sites (Battleby and Oatridge College) which show a wide variety of path construction techniques; the Path Benefits Toolkit (for evaluating your local paths); and will launch a programme of technical training (path design, construction and maintenance) aimed at community groups for 2010/11.
The event is being held on Wednesday 24th March
At Battleby Conference Centre, near Perth
Free of charge to volunteers and £30 for employees of organisations and agencies.
For more information about how to register for this event contact mary.doig@pathsforall.org.uk