About the group
Lumphanan Paths Group is a formally constituted community group aiming to promote and improve the local path network.
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We recognise the value of the local path networks for people's well being, and for raising awareness of the importance of environmental and conservation issues. We encourage responsible access and enjoyment of paths at all times, and pride ourselves on liaison with landowners and other stakeholders to further the understanding of the local environment for everyone's benefit.
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Our functions include surveying paths, undertaking and managing paths improvements projects, organising volunteers, awareness raising, fund raising, and engaging with relevant stakeholders (such as path users, land owners, other community groups, public bodies, regulators and funders).
Lumphanan Paths Group started life in 2018 from a conversation between two founder members at Lumphanan Gala, about the need for a paths group in Lumphanan.
After attending a Lumphanan Community Council meeting we prepared a constitution, set up a facebook page and in February 2019 organised a community questionnaire to gauge interest and support for the group. We also established networks with path groups in Torphins, Aboyne, Tarland and Banchory, and with Aberdeenshire Council and Paths For All.
Buoyed by the response, in March 2019 the group was launched at its first public meeting.
The Group is run by a small committee which meets regularly. Committee members also work in two sub groups:
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Paths Development Group - researches, surveys, grades and develops our paths network.
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Funding Group - researches, applies for and secures funds.
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We are members of Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action and ScotWays.
Acknowledgements
Our early work was helped by a donation of tools and a First Aid Kit from Aberdeenshire Council, followed by a start-up grant from Bread of Life (Torphins). Since then we have gone from strength to strength, securing significant funds to improve the community's path network (see our projects page for more information), including raising our own funds at Lumphanan Gala. Not to forget the volunteers whose energy and enthusiasm have helped to maintain our path network through work parties. We are grateful to all our funders and volunteers for their support. We are also grateful for the help of many others including landowners around Lumphanan, Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action and Aberdeenshire Council's Outdoor Access Officer.
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Funders
Aberdeenshire Council
Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action
​King George V Windturbine Panel
Lumphanan Community Recreation Association
​Marr Area Committee
Mid Deeside Church - Bread of Life
NESTRANS
Paths For All
ScotWays
Tesco Community Grants
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Donations
Thanks go to:
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Les Morgan of LSM Services Deeside Ltd and his wife Isla who have replaced the broken bench on Glen Road by the Stothert Memorial Church as a donation to the community.
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Local resident Craig Lindsay of Core Specialist Services, Aberdeen for a donation on behalf of his company towards the Lover's Lane bench refurbishment.
Tom Main
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Tom Main
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