Funds provided to Beach Buddies
| Authority | Department of Infrastructure |
|---|---|
| Date received | 2022-02-15 |
| Outcome | All information sent |
| Outcome date | 2022-03-09 |
| Case ID | 2268289 |
Summary
The request sought details on work completed by Beach Buddies following a £75,000 government grant for footpath maintenance. The response disclosed a comprehensive operational summary from 2018-2021, detailing volunteer hours, equipment usage, and the significant impact of the pandemic on service delivery.
Key Facts
- 80% of the work performed involved cutting back overgrown paths.
- The Probation Service was the largest provider of volunteers until support was halted in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Beach Buddies extended their service for 7 months in 2021 at no fee to compensate for reduced volunteer numbers.
- All equipment was provided and maintained by the group, with Beach Buddies donating a 4x4 truck and two trailers.
- Volunteer numbers fluctuated significantly, ranging from 3-4 to 10-15 per event.
Data Disclosed
- £75,000
- 2018-2021
- 80%
- 2020
- 7 months
- April to October
- 10-15 volunteers
- 3-4 volunteers
- 240 man hours
- 300 man hours
- 310 man hours
- 254 man hours
Original Request
After the IOM Gov provided £75'000 to Beach Buddies, how much work has actually been done by this group to the footpaths around the island
Data Tables (1)
Data Tables (reformatted)
| Year | Month | PROWs (contract) | PROWs (via public notification) | Volunteers | Man hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | April | 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295 | - | 40 | 240 |
| May | 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295 | - | 54 | 300 | |
| June | 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295 | - | 25 | 135 | |
| July | 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295 | - | 54 | 300 | |
| August | 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295 | 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas); Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar | 64 | 310 | |
| September | 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295 | 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas); Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar | 44 | 206 | |
| October | 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295 | 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas); Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar | 23 | 136 | |
| November | 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295 | 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas); Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar | 10 | 50 | |
| December | 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295 | 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas); Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar | 8 | 24 | |
| 2019 | April | 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295 | 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas); Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar | 44 | 254 |
| May | 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295 | 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas); Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar | 44 | 226 | |
| June | 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295 | 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas); Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar | 20 | - |
Full Response Text
Appendix 1
FOOTPATH FRIENDS:
Summary of operations 2018-2021:
We were asked to take charge of the maintenance / repair / management of a series of PROWs at various
points around the Isle of Man. Once it became public, we then received numerous requests from members
of the public to carry out similar work on other PROWs and footpaths across the Island; we responded to
all such requests. In some instances the tasks were not within our capabilities/remit (eg repair wooden stiles
/ small bridges). The majority of such requests were to cut back overgrown paths, repair wooden steps /
staircases and paths which had been damaged in storms / landslides etc. 80% of the work was cutting back
overgrown paths. All volunteer groups were supervised by our representatives, usually two people. All
equipment was provided and maintained by us. All other costs (travel fuel, equipment fuel, maintenance/
replacement of equipment etc etc) were paid for by us. We ran events virtually every Saturday between April
and October with occasional breaks depending on weather and bank holidays (eg TT, Easter, Tynwald Day
etc). Events were also held on midweek evenings in spring/summer. Volunteer numbers each week fluctuated
and were very unpreidctable - sometimes between 10-15 and sometimes just 3-4.
The programme grew very quickly in the first 12 months, chiefly via an appeal for volunteers. The majority
of these were provided by the Probation Service, UCIOM, corporate teams, smaller groups of volunteers and
individuals. The Probation Service was by far the biggest supporter of the scheme. A Facebook page (Foot-
path Friends) was established which quickly gained large numbers of followers. The programme ran chiefly
between April and November each year, with some minor repair work carried out in winter months. Covid
restrictions (no gatherings of large groups) made a significant difference in 2020 and all Probation Service
support was halted. As a result, a very small handful of volunteers (usually one or two) did as much as possi-
ble during 2020 (third period of the contract) and we extended the service for 7 months for no fee from April
2021 to compensate. This will explain why the public noticed that many footpaths became overgrown as it
was impossible to maintain previous levels of work due to the loss of virtually all volunteers.
Equipment purchased:- ride-on mower; strimmers (x6); chain saws (x2); hedge cutter; forks (x6); spades
(x6); rakes (x6); gloves (200 per year); The equipment was maintained/replaced and serviced annually.
Beach Buddies donated the use of a 4x4 truck and two trailers.
• The figures do not take into account travel time and/or regular pre-inspections of PROWs before events.
2018:
April:
PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
Volunteers:
40
Man hours:
240
May:
PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
Volunteers:
54
Man hours:
300
June:
PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
Volunteers:
25
Man hours:
135
July:
PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
Volunteers:
54
Man hours:
300
August: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
64
Man hours: 310 September: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295 PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas); Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers). Volunteers: 44
Man hours:
206
October: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
23
Man hours:
136
November: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
10
Man hours:
50
December: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
8
Man hours:
24
2019:
April: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
44
Man hours:
254
May: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
44
Man hours:
226
June: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295 PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas); Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers). Volunteers: 20
Man hours:
120
July: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
43
Man hours:
208
August: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
58
Man hours:
264
September: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
25
Man hours:
135
October: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
22
Man hours:
120
November: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification):
Volunteers:
10
Man hours:
30
December: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
8
Man hours:
24
2020:
April: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
12
Man hours:
72
May: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
10
Man hours:
60
June: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
18
Man hours:
108
July: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
18
Man hours:
108
August: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
18
Man hours:
108
September: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
18
Man hours:
108
October: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
18
Man hours:
108
November: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification):
Volunteers:
10
Man hours:
30
December: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
8
Man hours:
24
2021:
April: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
18
Man hours:
108
May: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
12
Man hours:
72
June: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
18
Man hours:
108
July: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
18
Man hours:
108
August: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
18
Man hours:
108
September: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
18
Man hours
108
October: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
8
Man hours:
24
November: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification):
Volunteers:
8
Man hours:
24
December: PROWs (contract): 291, 288, 287, 363, 226, 608, 024, 254, 252, 253, 092, 246, 295
PROWs (via public notification): 640, 290, 2904, 423, 271, 123, 362, 329, 010, 024. Plus - Ballabane (Andreas);
Laxey Harbour/Head, Castletown-Pooill Vaaish, Dog Mills, Cashtal Yn Ard, Port Mooar, (no PROW numbers).
Volunteers:
Man hours:
We write further to your request which was received on 15 February 2022 and which states:
"After the IOM Gov provided £75'000 to Beach Buddies, how much work has actually been done by this group to the footpaths around the island"
Our response to your request is as follows: Please find in Appendix 1 a breakdown of the works carried out by Beach Buddies in relation to the Public Rights of Way, from 2018 to 2021.
Please quote the reference number 2268289 in any future communications.
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