Miles of footpaths in Rushen and Arbory are now clear after the local authorities strimmed, tidied and in some cases reopened them.

Footpath maintenance is done by the Department of Infrastructure, but when Minister Ray Harmer announced they would struggle to maintain all the rural footpaths, the authorities stepped in.

Rushen Commissioners’ chairman David Radcliffe said: ’Rushen Parish has one of the most extensive systems of footpaths anywhere in the Isle of Man and it was a big task to get them all done.

’Some paths were in a very overgrown state and we are pleased that we now have them all accessible for the public to enjoy walking through Rushen’s beautiful countryside.’

Arbory Commissioners chairman Jane Glover said: ’Over the last couple of years we had received messages from residents in this largely rural parish about the overgrown state of some popular walking routes.

’So rather than do nothing and let walkways fall into further disrepair, we have taken the initiative and undertaken some of the works.

’Already it is making a difference and is having a big impact in maintaining our beautiful countryside.’

All of Arbory and Rushen’s public rights of way marked red or amber on the department’s footpath hierarchy map have been done leaving the department free to get on with maintaining the coastal and more frequently used paths marked blue and green.

Mr Harmer said: ’I’m pleased Arbory and Rushen Parish Commissioners responded positively to my request earlier this year for a cross community effort to maintain our rural footpaths.

’We have some beautiful countryside in the Isle of Man, crossed by an intricate network of ancient footpaths and it is great to see Arbory and Rushen partnering with the department to maintain these wonderful paths.’

Beach Buddies, having turned their gaze inland, also helped both authorities with litter picking removing a significant quantity of litter from the hedgerows.

This community-wide movement should be replicated across the island, said Mr Radcliffe.

’The blight of litter continues to undermine the beauty of our parish and the island as a whole and put at risk the animals and plants that live in our environment.