Volunteers needed to help with countryside access

Countryside enthusiasts in the Newtown area are being invited to play a role in shaping how public footpaths, bridleways and green spaces are managed across Powys.

Powys County Council is seeking new members to join the Powys Local Access Forum (LAF) for the 2026 to 2029 term, with residents from towns such as Newtown and surrounding rural communities encouraged to put themselves forward.

The forum works alongside the council’s Countryside Access and Recreation team, offering advice, local insight and practical knowledge to help guide decisions about public rights of way and outdoor access across the county.

Powys has one of the largest path networks in Wales, with around 9,250km of public rights of way, many of which are used regularly by walkers, cyclists and riders across the Newtown area and the wider Severn Valley.

The council says local knowledge from people who regularly use the countryside is vital to help identify priorities and ensure the network remains accessible.

Expressions of interest to join the forum are open now, with applications required by Friday, April 3. Anyone interested is asked to email rights.of.way@powys.gov.uk.

Alongside the forum, residents can also get involved in hands on volunteering to help maintain the county’s paths and green spaces.

Volunteers support a wide range of practical work across Powys, outside the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Tasks can include installing gates, repairing bridges and helping care for local green spaces used by communities.

The council says roles vary widely, ranging from physically active outdoor work to positions focused on supervision, coordination or community engagement around upcoming projects.

Members of the public can also support the work by reporting issues they spot while out walking or cycling.

A new online reporting portal allows people to view the full rights of way network and pinpoint the exact location of problems such as blocked paths, damaged gates or broken bridges. This is designed to help the council respond more quickly and accurately.

Anyone wishing to find out more about joining the Powys Local Access Forum, volunteering opportunities or the reporting tool can contact the Countryside Access and Recreation team by emailing rights.of.way@powys.gov.uk or calling 01597 827595.

Further information about volunteering and reporting issues can also be found on the council’s countryside pages at en.powys.gov.uk/countryside.