Letter: Local Paths Are Fundamental to Our Wellbeing – This Walk Matters

Published on: 2 Mar, 2026
Updated on: 2 Mar, 2026

From Eve Fraser

In response to: Dragon Interview – Village Association Chair Pleads His Case to Keep Path Open

I am a local resident and am really saddened that this much-loved local walk has been closed off.

For many of us, it isn’t just a footpath across a field – it is a vital thread in the fabric of our community.

Walking along the narrow path at the top of the field and taking in those extraordinary views is something truly special. The wide skies, the changing light over the countryside, the sense of space and perspective – it allows you to pause, breathe, and reset. In an increasingly busy and pressured world, access to open land and nature is not a luxury; it is fundamental to our wellbeing.

There is growing recognition of how profoundly time in nature supports mental health. A simple walk outdoors lowers stress, clears the mind, lifts mood, and creates space for conversation – or quiet reflection. For families, it’s a place to connect.

For older residents, it’s gentle exercise and social contact. For teenagers, it’s a rare opportunity to unplug. For many, those few minutes at the top of the field, looking out over the landscape, are genuinely good for the soul.

Local footpaths are part of our shared heritage. They connect us not only to the land, but to one another. I hope a constructive dialogue can take place so that access can be restored, balancing the needs of the landowner with the wider benefits to the community.

This walk matters – not just because of where it leads, but because of how it makes people feel.

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