48
at Dublin University working on new mineral opportunities for the Irish government, the other has a PHD in conservation ecology. “They blame us for dragging them out to coast paths and around national parks when they were young, spending hours upon hours picking up stones and climbing trees!” Bob got involved with the coast path in a roundabout way when he joined the South West Board of the National Trust in 2010. “About a third of the coast path is on the National Trust’s land and I began to learn more about it. Like many others, I wrongly thought that local authorities used council tax money to look after the coast path, but although there are some national grants (and highways and local au- thorities play a vital part) charities raise at least half the funds needed. Our volunteers also painstakingly conduct the annual path condition survey, checking every step, sign, stile and gate across the whole 630 miles. I wanted to help preserve such an important environmen-
need a chance to reflect or just for a great family amble. Put on your walking boots, pack a rucksack and go for a long hike!” The second aim is to expand the
tal asset which benefits walkers, wildlife and our economy with thousands of people flocking to the area each year staying in B&Bs and supporting local businesses.” Bob has a couple of aims for the
future, number one is to try and encourage more people onto the path: “We are always trying to get new audiences and are hoping more people will have found us during lockdown. It is a peaceful calming space for anyone, young and old, and can be accessed throughout the whole year. It is the perfect place for people who
path to make it a broader corridor benefiting nature. “There is a great government report from 2010 which looked at the catastrophic decline in British wildlife from habitat loss, pollution and more intensive farming. It came up with ideas to help charities and local groups make more space for nature. For us it means trying to open up wider sections of the coastline - lobbying the government for help in setting appropriate planning regulation and environment subsidies.” Bob’s third and final aim is for him to walk the whole of the South West Coast Path with Wendy sometime in the next couple of years. “We won’t try and do it all in one go, some people do (taking a few months out and staying in B&Bs and campsites along the way) but we will do it in more leisurely sections!” •
Dartmouth Castle Tea Rooms Open every day, 9am – 5pm
Sit outside and enjoy your lunch as you watch the boats sail by, grab a takeaway coffee and sandwich for your coastal path walk, or treat yourself to an afternoon cream tea and mini bottle of prosecco!
Castle Road Dartmouth TQ6 0JN
01803 833897
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100
