Overview
At Fitzpatrick Woolmer, we believe signage plays a crucial role in connecting people with places. Giving something back to the communities we serve and supporting projects that make a meaningful difference to people’s lives is a core part of how we work. Our recent support for the Peak & Northern Footpaths Society (PNFS) reflects that commitment.
Why this project matters
Access to the outdoors plays a vital role in supporting both physical health and mental wellbeing. Safe, clearly marked footpaths encourage people to get outside, stay active, and experience the benefits of nature – from reduced stress to improved overall health.
However, when routes are difficult to follow, that experience can quickly become frustrating or discouraging – particularly for less confident walkers or those new to exploring the countryside.
PNFS, a volunteer-run charity, works year-round to protect and improve public rights of way. Their efforts help ensure that footpaths remain open, safe and accessible to everyone, regardless of experience or background.
Our Contribution
We were proud to donate 500 high-quality waymark discs to support this initiative. Designed for durability and clarity in outdoor environments, each disc provides a reliable visual guide for walkers across the network.
The discs also incorporate QR codes, allowing users to quickly access information about PNFS – encouraging greater engagement, new memberships, and volunteer support.
This project demonstrates how thoughtful signage can make a meaningful difference, by making navigation clearer and more reliable, providing stronger visibility and reducing the need for frequent replacement with long-term durability.
Supporting social value in action
Through our donation scheme, we prioritise initiatives that deliver clear, lasting benefits to communities. Projects must meet defined criteria and demonstrate meaningful outcomes – ensuring that our support goes where it can have the greatest impact.
Our partnership with PNFS reflects these principles and was delivered through our structured Community Support & Donation Programme, which prioritises projects that create clear social value and community impact.
By supporting their work, we are helping to encourage healthier lifestyles by making it easier for people to walk and explore nature, support mental wellbeing through greater access to green spaces, promote inclusivity by helping more people feel confident using public footpaths and strengthen community connection to local landscapes and shared spaces, while also contributing to the protection and enjoyment of the countryside as part of our shared environmental and heritage responsibility.
Delivering lasting benefits
With approval from the Peak District National Park Authority and Derbyshire County Council, PNFS volunteers continue their work maintaining and improving footpaths across the region.
Our contribution supports this ongoing effort – helping ensure that routes remain visible, accessible and welcoming. We’re proud to be able to support people to feel confident stepping outside, discovering new places and enjoying the countryside.
More than a donation
This project reflects a broader commitment – to use our expertise and resources in ways that create positive social impact. As social value becomes increasingly important to our clients and partners, we are proud to support initiatives that deliver real benefits, both physically and emotionally.
By working with organisations like PNFS, we’re helping to create healthier, more connected communities – while protecting access to the landscapes that bring people together.
