A Ramblers' work party in west Essex with a bridge constructed on a path

Volunteers from Britain’s biggest walkers’ charity will have more power thanks to a donation from an international technology firm.

Bosch Lawn and Garden has provided £5,000-worth of power tools to the Ramblers to help its thousands of volunteers maintain and protect footpaths.

The Suffolk-based firm made the donation in recognition of the Ramblers’ work during this year’s British Tree Week in October and which included hundreds of woodland walks organised by the charity.

Ramblers’ path patrols were able to choose from Bosch’s range of cordless garden tools including high-powered chainsaws and pruning saws.

Volunteers work clearing paths of overgrowth, repairing stiles and gates and building bridges.

Gary King, marketing manager at Bosch Lawn and Garden said: “Keeping Britain’s paths open and accessible is vital to ensure that the public is able to enjoy the stunning countryside that the UK has to offer.

“In a bid to get the public out enjoying our countryside, British Tree Week aims to educate everyone about the beautiful woods that are on our doorstep, so supporting the path patrols seemed to fit in with our campaign perfectly.

“We’re already putting plans together for British Tree Week 2012 and we’re excited to see the progress that the path patrols make with clearing Britain’s paths this year.”

The bridge before work was carried out

Ed Wilson, Ramblers’ volunteer support and development officer said: “Our volunteers play an important role in keeping footpaths open across the country, clearing overgrowth, repairing stiles and fixing sign posts.

“Many councils’ rights-of-way teams were hugely stretched, even before the cuts, so our volunteers have been working in collaboration with them, offering extra sets of hands to help clear footpaths so that everyone can keep walking and enjoying the great outdoors.”