Vowchurch and Turnastone Footpaths report April 2026
Overall most footpaths remain passable, if underused. The catch-22 of low footfall allowing scrub encroachment which then restricts use allowing further growth, continues. However on the positive side, the severely blocked VO27 has now been cleared after several years of extensive bramble growth. This is one of the few remaining paths that offer actual utility to local residents rather than being simply a recreational resource. It links the B4348 to Vowchurch common meaning that those on the common can now drop their car off at Carter’s garage for MOT etc and easily walk back home without having to risk walking all the way to the junction on the main road which has restricted visibility in places.
While some landowners and farmers are indifferent to the state of the footpaths, the Stokes at Monnington Court are commended again for their willingness to properly maintain public rights of way which cross their land. They have even paid for gates to replace stiles where this would be of benefit to path users. However they are sadly let down by Hereford County Council who have failed to repair a rotten bridge on the VO18 and simply closed it for 18months.
HCC have provided some training to the volunteer public footpath officers and this is part of a broader intiative to support and maintain the footpath network. Another initiative is to improve physical infrastructure items and money is available again this financial year for replacement stiles, signage and gates. The biggest benefits will accrue to routes near housing where stiles are replaced with gates allowing dog walkers and people with limited mobility access to the footpath network. Unfortunately, landowners have withheld consent due to fear about gates left open and dog/livestock conflict. Successful delivery has also been hampered by the need for alterations to extisting structures such as fencing.
As the PFO for Vowchurch & Turnastone I continue to encourage regular path users to report defects via the app and to remove encroaching vegetation where they find it. Some are helping as unofficial footpath monitors who keep me informed of anomalies. In this way I hope to engender a sense of ownership and care for the footpath network rather than leaving it to 3rd parties to sort out.
Graeme Deas, 03/05/2026