Meet the volunteers helping care for Leeds’ 865km network of public paths - and looking for more help

Leeds City Council’s public rights of way maintenance team is calling for more volunteers to help maintain the city's vast 865-kilometre network of public paths.

Marking Volunteers’ Week, which runs until June 7, the council has highlighted the vital work of the dedicated teams keeping these routes safe and welcoming for the public.

The vast network winds through varied terrain across the region, including local woodlands, city streets, farmland, riversides, and open countryside, encompassing everything from short neighbourhood cut-throughs to major, nationally recognised walking trails such as the Leeds Country Way, Meanwood Valley Trail, Dales Way Link, and the Trans Pennine Trail.

As legally protected public rights of way across both public and private land, these routes are open for anyone to use at any time.

However, keeping the expansive network accessible is a significant undertaking for the council's core maintenance team, who rely heavily on volunteer support.

David Preston, who leads the voluntary footpath rangers, explained that the group provides a dual benefit for both the local landscape and the participants themselves.

“The aim of this volunteering group is to offer valuable opportunities for Leeds residents to support us in our work, whilst also getting some fresh air and exercise and finding out more about our fantastic rights of way network,” David said.

He continued: “Every summer the focus is on cutting back vegetation to improve access, whilst also benefiting biodiversity by leaving wildflowers at the edge of footpaths and bridleways. Storms and tree diseases can result in a lot of fallen trees that block paths and need removing.

“From these we create brash and log piles which work as vital shelters for mammals, birds and insects.”

John Campbell, 32, is one of the volunteers joining the team on a task day each month. He decided to start volunteering with them because he enjoys being outdoors and does a lot of walking in the countryside.

John said: "I liked the idea of giving something back and actually helping to maintain the paths that I use day to day.

“In December I helped put a handrail on a set of steps that were really quite steep, and when we went back a few months later we got lots of comments from people saying how amazing the handrail was. It felt so good that something I've done is really benefitting people."

The scope of the work varies daily depending on the needs of the network.

Regular tasks handled by the teams include installing signposts and waymarkers, resurfacing degraded footpaths, repairing and constructing footbridges, and putting in new steps, gates, and fencing. Volunteers also help clear fallen trees and overgrown summer vegetation, alongside conducting vital safety surveys of the paths.

The environmental opportunities are coordinated through Volunteer Team Leeds, the council’s city-wide volunteering branch. In addition to public rights of way and park maintenance, the initiative handles volunteering infrastructure for major city events like Light Night and the Leeds International Film Festival, as well as community befriending schemes.

Volunteer Team Leeds is funded through the central government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is administered locally by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

How can I sign up to join the volunteer team in Leeds?

Residents who want to give something back to the trails they use day-to-day can view the full directory of current opportunities online.

Detailed information on how to register for upcoming task days, explore the definitive rights of way map, and apply for a position can be found by visiting the official Volunteer Team Leeds portal via the Leeds City Council website.