| Where we came from | Where we are going | |
| How you can help | ||
| Become a Member now | Become a friend of PNFS now | |
| Download PNFS leaflet |
The Peak & Northern Footpaths Society can trace its roots through time - we evolved from the "The Manchester Association for the Preservation of Ancient Public Footpaths" of 1826.
Since then the route to today's protected state for paths on Definitive Maps has taken many twists and turns and our Members and our affilliated Societies have followed every one, especially the major milestones:
Rights of Way Act 1932
National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949
Highways Act 1980
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Rights of Way Act 1990 (the ploughing & cropping Act)
Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (the "right to roam" Act)
The law requires that we be consulted by highway authorities when they consider diverting or closing a right of way. Local Members' views are taken into account when we give our response. Our opinions are valued highly by the authorities we work with but in cases where we cannot agree with them, or cannot reach a satisfactory conclusion, we are prepared to go to Court - and we do.
Protecting paths is about more than just chasing up problems, that's why we put money into improving the path network with work such as planting our helpful signposts and building useful bridges.
The Peak & Northern Footpaths Society is a registered charity run by unpaid volunteers. Our history speaks proudly for itself. We rely on the support of people like you to continue our essential work in the future.
By supporting us through membership you are taking a big step towards protecting the network of paths. Our Society is fully inclusive and we represent the needs and interests of footpath users of all abilities. As we champion the rights of all path users at the tables of local highway authorities, our voice is listened to in proportion to the numbers we represent. Every membership counts - yours will make a difference.
Those who want to get more involved in our work can volunteer to help us by learning how to become a Footpaths inspector, joining the team of volunteers co-ordinated by our Stockport headquarters or by planting and maintaining our signposts. Volunteering can be tailored to suit the time you can give, be it several days a week or a few hours a month.
Receive the Annual Report and Handbook
Are sent "Signpost", our quarterly newsletter
Are invited to our major meetings to have their say and meet other Members
Can join in our monthly walks
Have access to our extensive map library covering their area.
Are only a phone call away from the advice of experienced rights of way volunteers.
Have the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping to protect the network of paths not only for today's walkers but also for future generations.
While anyone can become a Members and enjoy full benefits and voting rights with the Society, if you live outside the area that we cover then you could instead become a ‘Friend of PNFS’ By becoming a ‘Friend’ you support the Society and its aims but you do not get full voting rights.
Also there is not a set annual membership fee, you simply decide how much you wish to donate and whether you wish to make a one off or annual donation and that is it!
Are sent “Signpost” our quarterly newsletter
Can join in our monthly walks
Have access to our extensive map library
Have the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping to protect the footpath network not only for today’s walkers but also for future generations.
