'There's No Such Thing as a Free Resource – There's Always a Cost'

COVID-19 has taught us many things but, importantly, it has highlighted the health benefits of getting outside.

Such changes in behaviour have also brought about huge challenges concerning the deluge of discarded litter, dog poo, trampling where individuals have strayed from designated or permissive footpaths, together with the sheer volume of footfall – we have witnessed all of this in Tattenhall.

Most authorities and councils acknowledge that we have seen groups of new individuals using our footpaths and open spaces and that local authorities have had to respond to tonnes of additional waste.

In Tattenhall, a group of volunteer litter pickers have assisted.

We need to consider that some individuals who have not used public and permissive footpaths previously, have less of an understanding of the impact of their actions on the countryside.

Similarly, they may not be familiar with the newly updated Countryside Code CLICK HERE.

With increased choice as to where we spend our free time from 17 May, we are likely to see our local footpaths and open spaces recover.

Nature will carry on regardless but let's all be mindful that 'there's no such thing as a free resource' – protect, respect and enjoy.