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We deal with almost 1000 cases a year assisting communities, groups and individuals in protecting their local spaces and paths in all parts of England and Wales. Can you help us by joining as a member?
Jay Kynch of Efail Isaf, near Pontypridd in south Wales, is our new local correspondent for the southern part of Rhondda Cynon Taff.
Jay is a retired development economist who has worked as a researcher at Oxford University and a lecturer at Swansea University; she has researched poverty in Indian villages and social exclusion and regeneration in the South Wales valleys, among many other projects. She is a horse-rider, who rides most mornings in her local countryside.
Jay with Bo
A few months ago, Jay fought unsuccessfully to stop an ancient road to Garth Mountain from being downgraded to a footpath, denying horse-riders and cyclists an important route to the summit.
Says Jay: ‘The loss of that road was sad, and the Open Spaces Society deplored it. I now want to see the society have more of a role here, ensuring that people feel confident about using their rights without obstruction, and defending them when they are threatened. I shall help to achieve this. Our paths and open country are a free resource for all.’
Adds our general secretary, Kate Ashbrook: ‘We are delighted to have Jay as our local representative in south Wales, defending the rights of walkers, riders and cyclists to enjoy the superlative countryside which adjoins the urban doorsteps. She will keep the council up to the mark on commons, greens, open spaces and paths.’