Parish Paths Partnership scheme

The Scheme

The Parish Paths Partnerships Scheme (also known as the P3 scheme) is an initiative to ensure that the rights of way network is properly maintained and well publicised. It has the support of the National Association of Local Councils and is Devon County Council funded. The County Council was one of the first 15 Highway Authorities to participate in this scheme, which encourages community involvement and enjoyment of public rights of way. Devon County Council is working in partnership with parish/town councils, landowners and local voluntary groups. The main aim is to improve the condition of the local rights of way and keep them open and used properly.

View parishes that are currently part of the Parish Paths Partnership (P3) Scheme on a map

Annual grant

Parish/town councils in the scheme receive a grant to undertake rights of way work. The grant, paid by Devon County Council, covers:

  1. The mileage, based on the length of rights of way in your parish.
  2. Special projects.

Path condition survey and inspection

Each year before the parish/town council receives its annual grant it organises a survey:

  1. This is an assessment of the condition of the rights of way, in order to find out what work needs to be done.
  2. The survey provides the information necessary for calculation of the grant payment.
  3. Developments and improvements – upgrading and re-opening paths by undertaking practical work such as vegetation clearance, repairing stiles and waymarking, in consultation with farmers and landowners.
  4. Events – helping people to feel confident about using the network by organising, for example, guided walks and rights of way days.

Partnership agreement

This is a simple agreement which is drawn up between Devon County Council and the recipients of the grant, usually the parish council, setting out how they will work together on improving the rights of way network.

Useful forms

If you are an existing parish in the scheme and would like to apply for future funding please select the online form below.

Forms for existing P3 parishes

Useful publications

Newsletters

Project guidance leaflets

Funding opportunities

Further information

For further information about the scheme you can: