22 August 2008
The path running behind the Sgwd-yr-Eira waterfall in south Wales, has been repoened. Go to:
http://www.breconbeacons.org/the-authority/communications-and-media/press-releases/july-2008/popular-waterfall-to-reopen
for further details.

4 July 2008
the RA have published new child protection guidelines for volunteers working or walking with youngsters. Download it from here.

15 May 2008
Cyril Trenfield's memorial
At long last we have received formal approval for the installation of a seat on the CW on National Trust property, just outside the curtilage of Dyrham Park as a memorial to Cyril Trenfield, long-time Avon Area Footpath Officer and Cotswold Warden.  Actual location is at the top end of Rookery Wood lane, beside the 'horse riders', gated entrance to the park.  The seat will be on a small bank and will be accessed via two or three steps.

The total cost of the project is estimated to be £350.00, inclusive of VAT and I have been authorised to spend up to this amount from the Warden's Countryside Fund. The figure of £350.00 is based on a firm quote of £250.00 for the manufacture of the seat and delivery to Dyrham Park and an estimate of £100.00 to cover the cost of engraving the back rail of the seat and installation materials.

Negotiations are continuing over the engraving andwe won’t be able to finalise the price until I have agreed the wording. It needs to be something succinct whilst at the same time conveying the message that Cyril was a Rambler and Voluntary Warden who had devoted many hours of effort in helping to create and maintain the Cotswold Way. It would be easier if the National Trust would allow us to affix a small plaque to the seat, conveying the right message, but their insistance on a carved (engraved) inscription reduces the options.

Becky Jones, Volunteer Coordinator, Cotswolds AONB  (Tel 01451 862000)

13 May 2008
The new 'Severnside Saunters' rail walks programme is now available from the Downloads page.

12 April 2008
Tick Alert survey

Tick Alert, a campaign to raise awareness of tick disease, has launched ‘Tick Watch 2008’ - the first-ever public survey about ticks in the UK and abroad – and is asking walking and outdoor pursuits lovers to take part. The survey aims to find out if ticks are becoming more common, if people have had problems with ticks on holidays in the UK or Europe and whether ticks are being spotted outside the main spring/summer tick season. Visit www.masta.com/tickalert and click on the link. It's very easy, they would just like a report if you experience ticks while you are out and about.

12 April 2008
The full Wessex Wanderer walks programme is now available online from the Walks page

14 February
Download the RA's revised Accident Report form and Incident Report form from the Downloads page here

10 February
See the Contacts page for newly-elected members of Area Council

14 January 2008
Annual Report 2006-7 now available from the 'downloads' page

18 December

The RA have issued a revised checklist for walk leaders. Download it from here.

3 December
The Joint Local Access forum has published its 'Joint Rights of Way Improvement Plan'. Access and download it from here

Earlier News

Read a useful article from the Health & Safety Executive giving advice on keeping cattle in fields used by walkers on the Downloads page

Read about the history of Avon Area and its Groups by clicking here

Read an important document regarding voluteer's car insurance on the Downloads page

Lyme's Disease

download a PDF file explaining what it is, how you catch it, and how not to…

Go to the Downloads page