Popular walking routes in Monmouthshire have been given a high-tech upgrade after monitoring equipment was installed to collect data on the county’s favourite spots.

A Welsh Government grant provided training to Monmouthshire’s Countryside Access Team to set up the electronic sensors which will collect detailed data on walking routes in the area.

Ms Ruth Rourke, principal countryside access officer for Monmouthshire, said, “We are delighted to have received training and have the ability to collect data about routes. Now we will be able to see how many people are using our promoted walks and use this information for obtaining grants to make improvements.

“The equipment also enables the authority to save money in the long term as there is no need for ongoing maintenance.”

“We also hope that we will be able to involve our community groups and volunteers to collect the data so they can benefit from the results.”

Contact MCC’s countryside team on [email protected] for more information.