Keen cyclists and walkers are needed to help encourage more people in Kent to get about in healthy and environmentally friendly ways.
Volunteer rangers for Sustrans, the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity, are inviting new recruits to join them at an information evening in Canterbury on Thursday (March 5).
The event will be a chance for newcomers to find out more about rangers’ variety of tasks to keep the National Cycle Network safe and attractive, from cutting back brambles to resurfacing paths.
A new partnership has been agreed between Sustrans and Kent County Council (KCC) which has been driven by their determination to keep routes well signed, well maintained and accessible. In return for funding, Sustrans aims to provide 50 new rangers to help strengthen existing groups and create six new groups for the county.
Simon Allum, Mobility Management Team Leader at Kent Highway Services (KHS) said: “The agreement is an exciting opportunity to build on our existing strong relationship with Sustrans and to facilitate the building of strong relationships with cyclists across the county. It will enable greater engagement between KHS and the cycling community and will hopefully lead to a sense of ownership with the cycle network and the forging of strong partnerships for the benefit of all.”
Sustrans Ranger Sheila Webb, a volunteer since 1991 and a founder member of East Kent cycle campaign Spokes, said: “It’s really quite satisfying to see so many people take up cycling again or enjoying a long walk because they have lovely routes nearby such as the Crab and Winkle Way from Canterbury to Whitstable. There are many different tasks for rangers to maintain and improve the routes from cutting back vegetation to painting a milepost or building a seat out of an old railway sleeper.”
Sustrans Volunteer Ranger Coordinator Julie Tublin said: “This is a great opportunity for people to make a positive difference in their community. Volunteer rangers act as the eyes and ears for Sustrans and local authorities, making sure that routes are kept as safe and attractive as possible for cyclists, walkers and wheelchair users.
“Rangers can put in as much or as little time as they can manage and any level of involvement will really help lighten the load. We are really looking forward to welcoming more people into the fold.”
The meeting will be held on Thursday 5th March from 6.30pm to 8pm at The Friends Meeting House, 2 The Friars, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2AS.
For more information or to register your interest call 0207 0172356, email volunteers-london@sustrans.org.uk or visit www.sustrans.org.uk and click on ‘Support Sustrans’.
Source: Sustrans
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Volunteers needed to help people get active in Kent
