To support this project, we have developed a methodology and approach that draws on environmental monitoring and investigative journalism. This project intends to collect data, monitor, report, and advocate for long-term change in the Enfield area. The methods and techniques for conducting our assessment work are built upon independent, easy-to-understand, and regularly evolving through learning.

The monitoring and assessments are conducted by layperson (s) who assess the walking paths through observations of an independent walker, not a technical expert. The methods and data collection techniques are being developed through a process which involves trial and error, review of existing data collection techniques and technology, and impact assessment. Where available, we seek technical experts to help us to continuously learn and identify improved ways of working. We actively seek out and welcome feedback and engagement from the local Enfield community, civil society and public authorities.  We believe our eco-journalism work cannot develop in isolation, and we need support in the form of voluntary technical expertise, voluntary assessors and community funding to keep the project sustainable.

The paths will be walked under various weather conditions and will be selected by the assessor without prior notice to ensure independence. The data-gathering technique is mixed-methods, including both quantitative and qualitative data.  The reports are published weekly; however, letters to public authorities summarising key queries and issues will be sent and published openly once a month. This monitoring approach and methodology are a work in progress, and feedback and suggestions on emerging techniques or new ways of working are welcome; please email us through the contact form. Our sole focus is currently the Enfield area; however, we commit to open-source sharing of tools and frameworks as we develop them with other environmental advocates, for use where they have obtained consent from Open Woods CIC.

The walking routes are captured through Strava and OS Maps. The journeys taken to and from the start/end of walks from the lay assessor’s home are not measured.  Elevation is also captured within this software. A GoPro device has GPS enabled, and when a GPS lock is available, work is underway to develop a GPS coordinate overlay that corresponds to the maps, enabling more precise geo-locations for recording.  The multiple use of GPS tracking devices will enable the future development of more detailed monitoring data to hold public authorities to account and to identify the exact locations where issues need to be resolved.

By default, every 10 minutes or more frequently if the environment on the walking path changes significantly, the assessor takes a live audio sound sample from the walking path using Cornell University’s Merlin ID software.  The rationale for the 10-minute gap is to avoid recording the same birds.

A manual finger counter is used to count the number of unique people walking at those times that day. Pets are not recorded.

From June 2026, air quality and soil testing will also take place, supported by new technology, to assess biodiverse conditions along the walking paths. 

For air and pollution monitoring, we capture the minimum, average, and maximum values for AQI, CO2, PM2.5, and PM10 readings. We seek to align them to DEFRA indices, targets and UK Net Zero commitments wherever possible. Air quality readings are taken outdoors after the device has had 30 minutes of outdoor reading time to avoid false positives. An AQI of 0-50 indicates little or no risk to health.  The global average CO2 level is currently 432 ppm, representing a 50% increase over a 100-year period, and is higher than the 2026 UK average of 371 ppm.  PM 2.5 metric under 005 and a PM 10 metric of under 15 per the WHO Annual guideline is considered safe (WHO 24-hour guidance is 015 and 45, respectively).

Regarding accessibility, UK walking paths established decades or even centuries ago are generally not designed with inclusion in mind. Open Woods will seek to promote inclusive practices and make recommendations to public authorities which achieve the goal of everyone feeling welcome on these paths and not limited by their lived experience.

The reports are published on the website, which includes a highlights video and a summary of observations and evidence. We publish the highlight video on YouTube and Instagram. Our documentation and evidence aim to create curiosity, build an audience of supporters and manage an archive of information over time.  We recognise that not everyone will wish to engage with digital methods and contemporary videos, and many supporters will prefer the detailed written report evidence.  Open Woods wishes to create as many options to engage supporters across different generations and cultures.

Open Woods will additionally use Freedom of Information requests, open-source data investigation, the public register of interests, environmental impact assessments, and relevant regulations to test and query whether public authorities are fulfilling their obligations. All information will be made available to the general public. Open Woods is a non-partisan community interest organisation, and its assessors are focused on the public benefit of protecting the environment, with no membership in any political party.

For each walk, a dashboard is created using a working methodology that is being tested and trialled. The overall rating is a subjective judgment based on the other dashboard assessment areas. The core questions being reviewed and observed during each walk are as follows:

The path is well signposted          

1.      Is the signage in good working order? Have they been damaged?

2.      Can the signs be read clearly, and is the font and height visible?

3.      If someone did not know the area, would they be able to follow the path without getting lost?

4.      Are hazards signposted?

5.      Are there path markers?

6.      Is there informational signage about the history or conservation of the path?

7.      Are Tree Protection Orders and Ancient Coppices marked for awareness and protection?

8.      Is there signage available for walkers to report a problem via post, telephone or text and who to contact (e.g. who is responsible for this path)?

The path is accessible             

1.      Are the path’s surfaces even and free from sinks and holes?

2.      Is the path wide enough for two people to walk next to each other?

3.      Is the path muddy?

4.      Is the path suitable for children? Could a pushchair be navigated through the path?

5.      Is the path suitable for older people?

6.      Is there a bench available to rest?

7.      Is someone using a mobility scooter able to access this path?

8.      Is the path suitable for people living with mental health or intellectual disability?

9.      Is the path suitable for people living with mobility or physical disability?

10.   Is the path suitable for people living with sensory disabilities?

11.   Is the path suitable for non-English speakers?

12.   Are there alternatives available which are more accessible, or is this the only path?

The path is free of debris, fallen trees, and litter. 

1.      Is the path blocked by a physical obstacle such as a fallen tree?

2.      Is there a fallen tree blocking a waterway, such as a stream?

3.      Are there any observations of excessive loose wood or lumber which has not been managed, re-purposed for biodiversity or taken away?

4.      Are there queries regarding the legitimacy of tree cutting and pruning?

5.      Is there fly tipping observed? Can any identifying marks of the fly tipper be gained by observing the rubbish?

6.      Is there rubbish on the path? What type and how much of it?

7.      Are there waste and recycling bins available?

Biodiversity is protected on this path

1.      Are there threats to tree, animal or insect life observed?

2.      What is the condition of the soil (readings) for PH, Light Intensity, Moisture and Soil Temperature?

3.      How many species of birds were identified and audio recorded?

4.      Were any species of birds rare or endangered?

5.      Were damsonflies observed, and was there adequate water in streams to support the food chain?

6.      Were social-weaving larvae (moths), which could weaken trees, observed?

7.      Is deadwood observed? Where and how much?

8.      Are butterflies observed?

9.      Are bees observed?

10.   Are animals observed?

11.   Are the trees planted through the support of the Greater London Authority progressing?

12.   Is there a plan in place for protecting ancient coppices and trees with a protection order? Is it being followed? Why or why not?

13.   What is the outside temperature on the walking path?

14.   Are streams or waterways blocked?

The path is free of graffiti          

1.      Is graffiti observed?  

2.      Can any clues or evidence be collected to identify who is responsible for the graffiti?

The path feels safe

1.      Are there any threats to a walker?

2.      Is anti-social human behaviour observed?

3.      Are there any hazards or threats to physical safety?

4.      Are there any hazards or threats to well-being or mental health?

5.      Are trip hazards observed?

6.      Are there holes or pits observed?

7.      Are there plants posing a threat?

8.      Is there a railway crossing on the path?

9.      Is there a cliff or edge on the path, and does it have a guardrail?

10.   Are there any trees which look like they will collapse and fall soon?