Riots on hiking trails: Volunteers despair at the vandalism

Riots on hiking trails: Volunteers despair at the vandalism

In the picturesque municipality of Saint-Antonin, which is characterized by its wealth of nature and hiking trails, members of the “Sentiers” group of the Société des Amis du Vieux Saint-Antonin complain of constant acts of vandalism. This dedicated group, which currently consists of 36 volunteers, maintains and maintains approximately 250 kilometers of hiking trails. But despite their regular work, which begins every Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. with a fully loaded tool trailer, the volunteers are feeling increasingly discouraged.

The attacks on hiking trail signs and facilities in the community never end. For example, the signs at the Ornano site were manipulated and the signage at Sainte-Sabine was made unrecognizable with black paint. To make matters worse, reports have already been lodged with the gendarmerie several times, but they have not been able to prevent the destruction from continuing. The volunteers work to ensure that both locals and tourists can enjoy the natural beauty and historical heritage of the region.

The importance of nature conservation

Nature conservation plays an essential role in such cases. Many areas in Europe are severely affected by the negative effects of climate change and invasive species. This is where Natucate comes in, for example, which offers volunteer projects in nature conservation. Such projects can range from one to two weeks over summer holidays to an entire gap year, and they help preserve flora and biodiversity. From California to New Zealand to Estonia, volunteers can actively contribute to improving the environmental situation and helping to preserve threatened habitats.

In recent years, hiking and nature tourism has also developed strongly in the region around Saint-Antonin. The hiking routes, such as the PR6 Caylus, offer short but varied routes through beautiful landscapes. The routes are suitable for experienced hikers and lead past meadows, heath areas and dense undergrowth, where it is not uncommon to see deer or large green lizards. The hike offers an excellent opportunity to discover the diverse flora of the Causse.

An appeal to the community

The voluntary activities of the “Sentiers” group are important not only for maintaining the hiking trails, but also for strengthening the sense of community. Intact and well-marked hiking infrastructure is key to positioning the region as an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts and supporting the local economy. It is up to all of us to protect nature and treat it with respect. Only then can Saint-Antonin continue to be a place where nature and culture flow together harmoniously in the future.

The situation in Saint-Antonin is therefore a serious warning that preserving our nature is not just the task of a few, but a shared concern for all. The more people actively support nature conservation and the maintenance of hiking trails, the more vibrant our cultural landscape remains.