The team of trustees behind Pathmakers
Pathmakers are a charity dedicated to improving access to the Norfolk Countryside for people of all abilities and backgrounds. We work on partnerships with organisations and communities to help run, facilitate or support walking projects - both financially and in other ways - that improve countryside access.
Why does Pathmakers do it?
Improving countryside access will enable communities to get outdoors and connect with nature, which in turn will have a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. Our resources page provides information on walks and suggestions such as what to take on a walk
The walknorfolk2024 Festival is one example of what we do:
The month-long access-friendly walking festival took place in October 2024.
We are looking for submissions from individuals and organisations who would like to be a part of monthly walks until August 2025 .
Landowners/Land Managers: Pathmakers is keen to involve land managers in our all abilities walking festival. We are looking for owners and managers who are keen to develop access for everyone on their land who can offer support and advice. In order to develop walks, paths and facilities we can help you make your site access friendly. We can provide both a guide to auditing a route for accessibility, as well as a guide to creating a dementia friendly walk
Parish and Town Councils: Pathmakers wants to work with parish and town councils, as well as neighbourhood groups, to help them develop walks for everyone in their local area. Pathmakers are looking to these groups who would like to help with designing walks and to create maps/boards to encourage more people to get out walking where they live. Pathmakers can provide information on a scheme to support Permissive Paths, along with helping in the design and production of Parish Boards Communities and Voluntary Groups.
Does your group want to go out walking but not sure where to go or how to get there?
Pathmakers is keen to find groups or organisations supporting people who may not find it easy to go out walking and to help them learn how to find a suitable walk nearby lead a walk safely or find a walking group that may be appropriate for them. We design walks to meet the needs of people with access needs so everyone can go out and enjoy the countryside in their local area.
We can offer:
Links to maps with information on short and easy self-led walk and walk leadership training for groups
If you would like to get involved or find out more about what we are doing and future plans, please get in touch with info@www.pathmakers.org.uk. Keep an eye on this website for more information or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit our events page for all upcoming walking events.
Policies
Please click on the below links to view Pathmakers policies:
Meet the Trustees
Simon Fowler – Chairman
Simon is a retired solicitor, chair of his parish council and lifelong user of footpaths. He is a countryside and smallholder and owns a small flock of sheep. Simon has been involved in the charitable sector for many years and brings his expertise with the legal and reporting framework for charities to the trust. Simon is also a member of the Norfolk Local Access Forum.
Paul Cowley – Vice Chairman
Paul is a keen walker and cyclist who has lived in Norfolk for over 40 years. Since retiring Paul has been actively involved with the environment in his local community with a particular interest in trees and became a trustee as was keen to encourage others to be able to get out and enjoy the Norfolk countryside. He is never happier than walking the beaches and coast of North Norfolk.
Sarah Abercrombie
Sarah has had a varied career, working for the Chamber of Commerce for nearly 20 years. Sarah has worked as a Project Manager with Community Music East – an educational charity using music to create confidence and help with mental health for a variety of user groups. Sarah has also been a Senior Project Officer with Norfolk County Council’s Environment Team, supporting the Norfolk Local Access Forum. Now retired and enjoying the role as a trustee of Pathmakers.
Charles Auger – Treasurer
Charles is Pathmakers’ treasurer. A keen cyclist and retired engineer, Charles was responsible for much of the environmental mitigation and rights of way diversions and enhancements associated with the NDR, a major route running 12 miles around the north of Norwich. With a keen interest in rights of way for all users, Charles also brings financial expertise to Pathmakers, having run Norwich Penguins Swimming Club which has a turnover of £250,000. His many interests include : recycling, Gordon Setters and dogs, renewable energy, astrophysics, renovations and gardening.
Kate Mackenzie
Kate has a background in environmental management and charity work. Kate spent 30 years working for The Conservation Volunteers. Work included fundraising, risk management and overseeing a complex mix of operational contracts. Lately Kate has worked as a consultant delivering projects for Canals and Rivers Trust, Suffolk Coasts and Heaths AONB and the Outdoor Recreation Network. Kate’s personal interests include gardening, bird and nature watching. Kate is a keen walker. Kate’s voluntary roles have included working with Aylsham Care Trust and Norfolk Local Access Forum.
Martin Sullivan
Martin has been visiting Norfolk since he was a child. Spending many summer holidays in and around Cawston and Salle. In his younger days together with two friends, he did several challenge walks, the Three Peaks of Yorkshire, the Lyke Wake Walk, and many of the Lake District peaks. He has always loved the Norfolk countryside and on retiring became involved with the Norfolk Local Access Forum and became the first Chairman of Pathmakers.
Digital Marketing Contract
John Jones
As Head of Environment at Norfolk County Council, John is an ex-officio trustee of Pathmakers bringing his knowledge of the role and responsibilities of managing Public Rights of Way to the trust.
Meet the Team
The additional team members behind Pathmakers
Alison Holden-Standley
Alison has joined Pathmakers as Executive Administrator and works part time to support the Trustees in their work. She has a background in working with charities and also runs a cold water dipping group for a mental health charity. You will mostly find her outside on the beach or in the sea.
