Bucks footpath trampled by walkers, costing farmer over £1k
The message is to use public paths wisely
Nearly 9,000 loaves of bread can't be made, because a footpath in Buckinghamshire has been trampled.
That's according to a farmer on the Chequers Estate near Wendover - who has seen a public path through one of his wheat fields widen to around 9 metres.
Countryside walks have grown in popularity as people seek exercise during coronavirus restrictions.
Farmer Daniel Hares told us it's having a big impact:
"Along the length of that whole footpath, that 9.5m width equates to nearly two acres.
"The potential yield of that wheat would be about six tonnes of wheat, enough to make around 9,000 loaves of bread."
Daniel posted about the issue on Twitter at the weekend and has had a big response.
Several people have suggested solutions, whilst others had questions about the impact.
Daniel told us he understands people want to get out and walk:
"We are in the prime position to know what the benefits of being in the countryside are for physical and mental health.
"No one wants to take that away but people have got to respect the farmers, the jobs we are trying to do and realise the damage that's being caused."
Advise for walkers
The Chilterns Conservation Board recently updated guidance on using the area safely.
You can find it all here, but the main points include:
- Many countryside car parks will be much busier than usual. Park considerately. If a car park is full, come back another time or find an alternative site to visit.
- Plan your route in advance and try to visit less popular sites.
- Travel safely, walking and cycling if you can.
- Think of others by adhering to current social distancing guidance and be especially aware on narrow paths.
- Pay attention to your safety. Coronavirus restrictions in recent months have meant that some footpath maintenance work has been delayed, so do take care.
- Carry hand sanitizer and try to avoid touching farm gates, stiles, information boards and other infrastructure.
- Always follow the Countryside Code. The Government has also published guidance on accessing greenspace safely in the context of Covid-19.
- The Chilterns is a living, working landscape. Please don't block gates or paths which are often in day-to-day use by our farmers and local residents.
You can find some social-distancing friendly walks here.