On the Right Tracks is a visitor payback project that is raising funds to help restore the unique network of green lanes in the South Hams.
The term ‘green lane’ can be defined as an un-surfaced, minor, rural lane. Many of these lanes are hundreds of years old and have interesting histories as packhorse tracks or even smuggler’s lanes. Unfortunately the course of time has meant that many have become overgrown, eroded and gullied, resulting in them becoming unusable. Yet when properly cleared and maintained, these deep, steep-sided tracks, offer an exceptional resource for local communities, local businesses and visitor.
Businesses are encouraged to raise money by placing a voluntary levy on key products or by asking for a small donation in return for the use of a particular service, such as tickets, accommodation, food and drink.
The money raised is used to:
- Improve access to and awareness of green lanes for everyone’s enjoyment
- Promote new routes for walkers and riders
- Improve the quality of lanes and repair erosion damage
- Conserve hedge banks, boundaries and heritage features
- Conduct surveys in conjunction with Devon Wildlife Trust to ensure that work on the lanes has a positive effect on wildlife habitats
- Link green lanes with other rights of way through the countryside and into towns and villages
To date:
- £17,145.74 has been raised
- 36 businesses are committed to raising funds
- 26 rural businesses have been undertaken heritage conservation work
This year the green lane project aims to successfully plan, restore and sign off 22 lanes in the South Hams area with the money raised, continuing the target of having the finest most visible network of paths and green lanes in the country.
For more information, please see our pdf information sheet ‘
Visitor Payback Project – On the Right Tracks’ )
