A fresh president has been appointed to help safeguard the Ridgeway, one of England’s earliest and most celebrated walking routes.

Matthew Barber, who currently holds the position of Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner and previously headed the Vale of White Horse District Council, has taken on the role with the Friends of the Ridgeway.

The group works to protect and increase recognition of the Ridgeway National Trail, a historic pathway stretching 87 miles from Wiltshire through to Buckinghamshire.

Mike Lewington, chair of the Friends of the Ridgeway, offered his backing for the appointment.

He said Matthew aligns with their enthusiasm and dedication to this distinctive Ridgeway National Trail, and that his support for the group’s goals to encourage walkers, runners, cyclists and horse riders to enjoy and use the Ridgeway is welcomed.

Mr Barber, who lives in West Hanney near Wantage, told people he likes walking the Ridgeway with his Labrador, Oscar.

He said the Ridgeway offers more than just a pleasant walk, though that alone would be worthwhile. The 87 miles of the Ridgeway forms part of our living heritage. For thousands of years, people have travelled this route for trade, conflict and as a core part of community life. Today, it remains an active part of the countryside, vital for farmers working the land nearby. He enjoys uncovering the trail’s history and there is always more to discover. Taking on the presidency of the Friends of the Ridgeway is an honour and he is eager to collaborate with the dedicated volunteers to promote the Ridgeway as one of England’s most significant national trails. The Friends of the Ridgeway aims to protect this important part of our heritage for leisure, learning and to assist those who look after this treasured landscape.

The Friends of the Ridgeway was founded in 1983 and originally focused its efforts on campaigning to ban recreational off-road vehicles from the trail.

This remains a key part of their work today.

Mr Lewington noted they will carry on their campaign to limit recreational use by unauthorized vehicles, which harms the trail’s surface and detracts from the experience of other Ridgeway visitors.

Mr Barber succeeds Lord Bradshaw, who occupied the presidential position for twenty years before standing down in 2022.

In 2015, the Friends of the Ridgeway established the Ridgeway National Trail Partnership, which now manages the Ridgeway National Trail.

The partnership includes the North Wessex Downs and Chilterns national landscapes, together with organisations representing Ridgeway users.