Phil discovered the need to protect the public's rights in 1990 when a bridleway he used was threatened with downgrading. Now 18 years later, he has safeguarded over 22km of paths by dedication or by definitive map additions and has many more applications outstanding. His interests are turning to recording village greens, and lobbying for legislation to ensure all public rights on commons are properly recorded, not just the right of access on foot. He is secretary to two access related charities, on the local Greenways Steering Group, and was previously a member of the East of England Regional Rural Affairs Forum.

July 2008