Rodney Legg: 'Sometimes people have to be cajoled and coerced'

A Somerset man has been appointed the eyes and ears of a campaign group in neighbouring Dorset.

Former chairman Rodney Legg was named as the representative for the county by the Open Spaces Society, the pressure group for public paths and open spaces. Wincanton man Rodney has a broad knowledge of Dorset, according to the society.

General secretary Kate Ashbrook welcomed Mr Legg’s appointment. She said: “We are delighted that Rodney is still to have an active role in the society after his two decades as our chairman.

“Dorset may be a large area for one person to cover, but with his immense local knowledge Rodney is just the man for the job. Those who illegally block paths or try to filch bits of open space had better watch out!”

Mr Legg commented: “Since I was aged 12 – half a century ago – I have been walking paths in Dorset on average at least once a week.

“That amounts to over 20,000 miles [32,187km] which has covered every right of way in the county at least two or three times. Once, many of them were unsigned and often only theoretical lines on the map rather than tracks on the ground.

“Now I can personally identify with dozens of stiles because they were put there at my insistence. I’m also quite proud that a total of 640 acres [259ha] of downs and heathland in Dorset and Somerset have been designated open country as a result of my own applications.

“There is also a right to walk on common land which was this society’s great achievement of recent years. So the situation has changed out of all recognition.

“Now the battle continues to consolidate and popularise the countryside access we have won.  Those lucky enough to live in such beautiful places sometimes have to be cajoled and coerced into sharing that privilege with the rest of us.”

The Open Spaces Society’s representatives, known as local correspondents, receive copies of all the proposals to alter the routes of public paths in their territories, and respond in accordance with guidelines determined by the society.

They also assist the society’s members with their campaigns to protect common land, village greens, open spaces and public paths, for everyone to enjoy. The society currently has 31 local correspondents in England and Wales.