Volunteer tree warden and Parish Path Partnership Co-ordinator

Cheveley Parish Council is pleased to announce that Mr David Cudby, Chairman of the Duchess Park Residents' Association, has kindly volunteered to act as the designated Parish Path Partnership (P3) Coordinator and volunteer Tree Warden for the Parish of Cheveley.

Working closely with Cambridgeshire County Council (for footpaths) and East Cambridgeshire District Council (for trees), David will be walking and inspecting the Parish’s paths and bridleways and acting as a point of contact for all matters concerning tree works (including those under Preservation Orders).

To get things started David has provided some initial thoughts.

Concerning the Parish Path Partnership (P3) Coordinator role for Cheveley Parish:

• My first task is to familiarise myself with all the official footpaths and bridleways in the Parish. I have made a start on this and have already found it a pleasant revelation.

• I recently met a number of established and experienced (P3) Coordinators from other Parishes in East Cambridgeshire. Having started to look at maps it quickly becomes apparent that the network of official footpaths and bridleways rarely confine themselves within a Parish. They often cross Parish boundaries. This suggests that walks of various lengths and terrain are possible.

• More established (P3) Coordinators have not only walked and familiarised themselves with local footpaths but have mapped possible walks, invariably circular as this is generally preferred by those walking locally. This work has led to the publication of some wonderful walking guides with walks of a variety of lengths and character. In the case of Cheveley Parish I believe that there are opportunities to work with like minded people from adjoining parishes to develop walking guides which include walks covering distances from say 2 to 10 miles (or more).

• Once walking guides are available it opens up the possibility of guided walks for fun, relaxation and improved health.

• If these ideas are of interest to you please contact me and perhaps we can work together to make them a reality.

My initial thoughts and actions regarding the volunteer Tree Warden role:

• I have made contact with the Trees Officer at East Cambridgeshire District Council who is now aware that Cheveley Parish has a volunteer Tree Warden available to assist by championing our local trees

• As well as trying to help maintain, improve and conserve existing trees, I believe that we should always be looking for opportunities to plant new trees too. There are various proposals nationally to encourage tree planting schemes related to the 2012 Jubilee. If you have any ideas for tree planting in Cheveley Parish please contact me and perhaps we can explore ideas together.

It would be great to find and work with others in the Parish (and adjoining Parishes) who also value footpaths or trees. Do contact me by email, davidcudby@btinternet.com or by telephone 01638 669964

For a report of the flora, fauna and history of the Duchess Park in North Ward please click here.

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