Funded by Essex County Council, the Parish Paths Partnership (P3) is between the highway authority and participating local councils/voluntary groups. It aims to give local people the resources and skills to enable them to become actively involved in the improvement and promotion of their local rights of way network.

The P3 Scheme is a community-based scheme that enables local volunteers to look after and/or promote their local PRoW network.

You can help with the following:

• Inspect. Check that your local footpaths, bridleways and byways (PRoW) are well used, maintained and available by walking, cycling or riding them. Take your family/friends along, exercise your dog or even yourself.
• Maintain. Keep the PRoW clear of vegetation, build bridges, stiles and gates, waymark the routes. If you are interested in gaining practical work experience, this is the project for you.
• Improve. Open up your local network so people of all abilities can enjoy the countryside by removing obstructions from routes (stiles that are no longer needed) and replace existing stiles with accessible kissing gates. 
• Report. Be the eyes on the ground and help us to help you by reporting maintenance and enforcement problems to our PRoW Officers.
• Promote. Lead guided walks, organise health walks or produce walking leaflets, booklets and guides. Does everyone in your local area know where they can and can't walk? Help them find out.
• Protect. Conserve your local network and area by helping to plant hedgerows along PRoW and by restoring existing and creating new habitats for wildlife, birds and wildflowers. Improve your conservation skills and knowledge through working with existing P3 groups and BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers).

The level of involvement is up to you! The P3 Officer will be able to put you in touch with an existing local group or help you start up your own group. Just give them a call on 01245 437649.

What will you receive in return?

The Parish Paths Partnership Officer will help, guide and assist all volunteers by providing the following:

• An up-to-date working copy of the Definitive Map (showing locations of all the PRoW)
• A P3 Information Guide.  Download this from the related documents section on this page.
• Advice, support and guidance with all projects.
• Training. Annual training courses are held to cover any training requirements the groups may need. In addition, one-to-one training is provided through meetings and practical working days.
• Grant. A financial contribution is made to the groups to cover the costs of organising and completing the works.
• Countryside management skills. Practical training is provided, as well as training in first aid, strimming and health and safety.
• Map reading, surveying skills, PRoW legislation knowledge. There is a wide range of skills you can choose to learn - the choice is yours.
• The opportunity to take care of your local environment and meet new people.

For further information on joining the P3 scheme, contact the P3 Officer on 01245 437649.