In Blaby today, at a meeting of the Association of British Counties, which I am always happy to help. I am presenting a number of projects; some hosted or planned on WildþingUK are hosted for the ABC and some of their new projects on footpath signage and mapping are of particular interest. Well, that and the fact that I am the Vice-Chairman.
It’s a cheering gathering from across the land, all with a love of our places, and in particular our counties: Yorkshire and Lancashire prominent as ever: the achievement of the Friends of Real Lancashire and of the Yorkshire Ridings Society over the years are shown in the local events they organise, the boundary signs around the county boundaries, the proliferation of rose-bearing flags and the strengthening of local identity in the face of official indifference. We could spend all our time admiring the achievements of the Association too, but there is more to be done: boundary signs, more resources for the public, and public engagement. I will do what little I can.
County flags are popular now: I look forward to seeing the result of the current competitions to design flags for some of my favourite shires: Berwickshire, Sutherland and East Lothian, with Herefordshire’s bull charging up close behind.
Now to grab a sandwich, then it’s down to discussing footpath signage, ruby and Lancashire paths.
It is an interesting little place Last time I was here in Blaby, I finished the day by climbing Leicestershire’s county top, Bardon Hill, but it will be getting dark early, it is raining hard and much as I love the Leicestershire countryside (“Tally-ho!”) I have things to do tonight, M1 permitting.