Jeremy Vernon, a 51-year-old self-employed steel erector from Launceston, Cornwall, has gained social media attention for clearing neglected pathways and overgrown vegetation free of charge in his free time.
Vernon Clears Overgrown Paths with Shovel and Wheelbarrow
Working with a shovel and wheelbarrow, Vernon tackles overgrown bushes, brambles, and weeds along local routes such as Roydon Road and Ridgegrove. In one particular project, he cleared away brambles and weeds before spending several hours pressure washing steps to make the local zigzag a safe space to walk through.
From Major Film Sets To Cornish Footpaths
Vernon previously lived in Wiltshire until discovering he had kidney cancer. Following surgery to have his kidney removed, he moved back to Cornwall for what he described as a better, nicer pace of life. Vernon uses the physical work to stay fit and help his local community. Professionally, he works as a self-employed steel erector who has contributed to rollercoasters and movie sets, including Death on the Nile and Ready Player One
. While his work remains up in London, he spends his time off clearing local areas.
Meeting Council Property Rules
Vernon contacted Launceston Town Council, which informed him the pathways do not belong to them and directed him to Cornwall Council. Vernon noted that he has public liability insurance, but lacks explicit permission to work on council property, which he stated invalidates his insurance coverage.
In response, Cornwall Council stated that it supports volunteering through its contractor Cormac. Cormac oversees community-led projects on council land ranging from woodland work to re-wilding parks and weeding open spaces. The council noted that last year, 60,000 hours of volunteering took place on its land. To ensure safety and indemnity insurance coverage, the council requests that volunteers register with Cormac. They receive ongoing advice and support through this registration.
