Depending on the location the type of work done can vary considerably – generally both drainage and vegetation can cause problems, sometimes the surface needs attention, too. 

In some areas, poor drainage or water erosion can be a problem, especially down ways that are sunken in relation to their immediate surroundings. If the road is on a hillside effectively it may become a conduit for a gulley down which water can flow very quickly, scouring away the surface. Such gulleys are typically non linear, V shaped grooves which meander back and forth across the road. If at a local low point, flooding may occur.  In flat country, water can pond in ruts, tempting users to deviate around them. Volunteers cutting drainage gripes or clearing and restoring original ditches at the side of these roads can make all the difference – especially if they can do it before the gulleying or ponding gets out of hand.  Water can then escape harmlessly, reducing damage to the road and leaving the surface drier and more durable.  Opening up vegetation and cutting back hedges can also allow wind and sun to reach the surface and help it to dry out. 

Despite all the hyperbole to the contrary, some rights of way see so little use that they become overgrown and impassable to anyone even on foot.  In semi urban areas volunteers can help to move abandoned and burned out stolen cars to where they can be collected for disposal.  Stumping; the planting of sturdy posts to help depict the route where there is danger of straying, and tree planting can be a useful way of deterring drivers of stolen vehicles from using rights of way to access adjacent land.  Young saplings may deter even a car thief who would not think twice about driving through stumping alone. 

Organising a NGLD event it is something anyone can do.  If there is nothing happening in your area - check on the LARA website, with your local GLASS, TRF or other club rep – there is nothing to stop you from making arrangements. 

If you know of a lane that needs maintenance you should contact the highway authority or rights of way department who are responsible for it and ask if they have a volunteer coordinator or someone you can talk to about doing some volunteer work.  They may want to meet you on the lane – and they may also have other lanes and tasks in mind. 

You will need a risk assessment to be carried out; often the council volunteer coordinator will do this.  the NGLD co-ordinator can supply a risk assessment form for you to adapt to local circumstances.  GLASS insurance covers anybody on a GLASS organised event, even a member of the public who happens to be passing and decides to join in, providing, the Project Manager is a full member of GLASS, a risk assessment has been carried out and a signing on sheet has been completed.  The TRF has also arranged insurance for member groups.  Additionally, many local authorities have their own volunteer insurance but it may not allow the use of chainsaws or power tools.  Find out about this beforehand so that volunteers do not arrive with false expectations. 

Once a suitable lane has been identified, and you know what you are doing and where you are doing it you will find it useful to get an idea of volunteer numbers, especially if materials and tools are being brought in for you for the task.  Let everyone who might want to volunteer know about it as early as possible – many husbands would love to commit to NGLD to escape a Sunday shopping trip.  LARA and GLASS keep details of planned events on their website.  Send information to ngld@laragb.org so that it can be posted there.  Do not forget to give contact details, ideally an e-mail address and mobile number.  Your local press may be interested, tell them about it in advance.  If you send them a write up afterwards include some pictures and try to use positive words like clearance and maintenance and avoid words like damage. 

When you meet on NGLD get a headcount and find out which clubs are represented so that their contribution can be acknowledged later.  A good time for this is during a safety talk. 

On NGLD you have the opportunity to meet users from other clubs and build up working relationships that may extend beyond NGLD.  This is a good chance to discuss what you see happening around you.  Talk to the volunteer coordinator during a break; they may know of other plans in the pipeline. 

On the subject of refreshments make sure there are copious amounts of tea, coffee, (soap) and water available, on a hot or windy day working outside you can dehydrate fast.  You should also make sure everyone knows know who among you is a qualified first aider. 

During the day take photos - start taking them early, sometimes work is completed faster than was envisaged.  Take photos of everyone assembled for the safety talk, the vehicles that turned up if the parking area tells a story, the lane before maintenance, people working on the lane, tricky operations, people talking together during a break, the lane after you have worked on it.  Before and after shots from the same spot make very good publicity.