Andy’s interim report (Jan 2021 )

The PCP views this network as not only an important local resource but one which has a potential if improved to be a key asset in the development of the Island’s activity tourism offer. The Tourism and Visitor management strategy developed by the PCP sets out a need to look at ways of directing the appropriate use of the network so that those paths which are more sensitive to damage can be protected and with potential zoning multi use of some areas is supported so that users in these areas are aware of each other but also the correct way to enjoy them.

As a result, PCP has always supported the work of the Ranger service and the voluntary rangers and would like to see the restoration of an Island Ranger who could co-ordinate resources as potential benefits from various aspects of stewardship income streams become more commonplace.

With more awareness of ‘Place based’ education and training the opportunity to link with Outdoor Education with an underpinning of S.T.E.M subject areas has never been more relevant similarly Health prevention issues bring further potential income streams on board. 

Heritage Trails

On Portland there are three ‘named’ trails these are the South West Coast Path, the Hardy Way and the Legacy Trail. These are named within the Neighbourhood Plan as well as several other that have particular local heritage content. Again, the intention was to find ways of attracting investment as part of the Island’s development.

The South West Coast Path has its own local volunteer co-ordinator Andy Straw who is also the PCP communications representative. Andy undertakes an annual audit of the path as well as continual monitoring and reports via the dedicated Facebook page Isle of Portland Coastal Path | Facebook

Andy’s interim report (Jan 2021) is below:

Not a lot of news to report regarding the Paths. The Rangers have completed a new footbridge over the Culverwell stream down by the Lawnsheds at the Bill. They have also improved the Steps behind the Huts down Church Ope Cove. As well as minor improvements under the Grove Cliff at the top part of Zig Zag Path.

I am still awaiting the 2 x Westcliff closed off section diversions to be fully integrated as part of the SWCP to that end the correct signage needs to be in place. I am also awaiting the ‘stepping’ of some of the steeper parts of those diversions to be put in place. I have made amendments to the walk description in the Annual SWCPA book as it was not entirely accurate.

I am aware of a small group of people who have called themselves ‘Portland Path Protectors’ and they are quite active doing their little bit to help, particularly of the inland paths. It is really nice to be honest, they seem to meet up regularly for a social walk and litter-pick / Scrub snipping that sort of thing, but this latest Lock-down has precluded them from their meetups.

A particular interest is the ‘Missing link’ section and I understand there is some potential development on this with the Port supporting.

My project for the Merchant’s Incline is still in abeyance. This is largely due to other cliff erosions that have taken away the available money, Time and Effort to ensure the South West Coastal Path (SWCP) is not blocked-off. I spoke to Richard Walton who is the new trail Officer for the South West Coast Path Association, and he advised that my Project was not ‘cancelled’ but will be re-visited at a later date. The Pessimist in me suggests that I will probably be long-gone before any work, if at all will commence on upgrading the Merchant’s Incline as per my vision for it.

I am due to start my Annual Path Survey soon, this involves me Walking the Whole Coastal Path on Portland with a tablet, and inputting the condition of all the Furniture (Finger-Posts, Stone way markers, Steps and bridges etc) It is quite time consuming but important to the Association as the information derived from it can be used to effect repairs/replacements/installations or removals as required and It allows the association to allocate funds to the most needed infrastructure along the SWCP.

The Court Leet have been discussing the Path condition up near the Coastwatch. I advised that I have already looked into it in 2014 with Bran Acres of DCRS. Natural England was consulted as I suggested we could add Naturally sensitive aggregates to the damaged areas or indeed Bridge the areas which would allow the damaged path to recover over time but were not supportive.

I have always been concerned about horses using footpaths and I would like to see if there are ways, we can improve the situation particularly with increasing usage.

Cycleways

National Cycle Route Network Route 26 currently finishes at Victoria Square but the aspiration for the route is to finish at Portland Bill.

PCP has been involved with improving the signage on the route, hosting consultation events and using the policy framework of the Neighbourhood Plan to achieve support for a safe route through Underhill in particular.

Mountain Biking

Similar issues exist in terms of potential damage to the physical environment that increased off road mountain biking could present and again zonal and directed use is felt a way forward.