|
RIDING IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
Access to safe, off-road tracks, is important for all horse
riders and carriage drivers - no matter what their particular area of interest.
The British Horse Society in
Cleveland, Durham, Northumberland and Cumbria, works with local Bridleways Groups, the National Federation of Bridleway
Associations, the British Driving Society and the Trail Riders Fellowship to protect and enhance the off-road network
of paths available to horse riders and carriage drivers - ensuring that we are considered, along with other user
groups, when off-road routes are being claimed or planned.
 There are five main areas in which we are
involved:
Protecting the existing network
This is done through responding to consultations from
the highway authorities concerning legal orders to change the network e.g. diversion orders, downgrading or
extinguishment orders.
We make an objection, where the proposed changes would reduce or damage riding or
driving opportunities. These may lead to the Society fighting the case at public inquiry. This all requires a huge
commitment from our volunteers at local level.
Also, wherever possible, regular surveys of the network are
carried out and reports made to the highway authority of any paths that are obstructed or are dangerous or difficult to
use. Advice may be given on the type of repairs that would improve the path for horse riders.
We are always keen
to recruit members who are keen to help with these surveys!
Enhancing the network
This involves an enormous amount of research and the
gathering of user evidence to show that a public bridleway or ancient highway has existed in the past but has not been
recorded.
A claim is then made to the highway authority for the path to be added to the definitive map or the
list of streets.
We also enter into negotiations with landowners to try and get new opportunities for off-road
riding.
Safer roads and road crossings
Our local Access Officers enter into negotiations with
the Highways Agency wherever there are plans for new bypasses or other trunk road improvements. We fight hard for
underpasses or bridges with suitably high parapets to ensure the safest routes are maintained for
everyone.
Through discussion with the local highway authority, we help to ensure that verges linking bridleways,
are maintained in a condition fit for riding and that there are horse warning signs, adequate sightlines and waiting
areas where bridleways cross busy roads.
Long distance routes and equestrian tourism
Time is spent, working out long distance routes for
the National Bridleroute network as part of the Ride-UK project.
Through giving advice to farmers and others
wanting to diversify into equestrian tourism we help develop more opportunities for taking your horse on holiday!
Liaison with outside organisations
The British Horse Society Access Officers in your area
attend Rights of Way Liaison Meetings, which are held regularly by each highway authority. These meetings give us an
important opportunity to discuss access matters with other user groups, the farming community and conservation
bodies.
Local Access Forums are set up under the auspices of the Countryside & Rights of Way Act. Each area
is now responsible for developing a Rights of Way Improvement Plan, which should give riders a chance to identify where
new links are needed, in order to create a safer and more worthwhile network of off-road routes.
It is essential
that our members make contact with our Access Officers, if they feel a link or path has not been
identified. |
Some of our achievements to date:
1. The concordat signed with the Forestry Commission
gives riders free access to the forest road network in every forest in the country (with just a few
exceptions).
2. Progress in the negotiations with the National Trust and the Ministry of Defence for greater
opportunites for ridden access on the vast areas of land that they own.
3. On Tyneside a Pegasus (rider
controlled lights) crossing of a busy road has been installed. Also a bridge has been built for riders across the Metro
and improvements made to a level crossing including painting it a horse friendly colour!
4. In County Durham
over 80 miles of inter-connected restored railway lines are available to horse riders as well as to walkers and
cyclists.
5. Northumberland County Council are now putting up new bridleway gates with a Safety Hook & Eye
catch on the top bar so that they can be easily opened and closed from a horse.
6. In Cumbria, three books -
which offer a guide to local circular rides, have been published by The British Horse Society.
Many members of
the Society in the North Region, work hard as access volunteers - some working on a small area around their homes,
others working at County or Regional level. These people are providing an essential service - helping to increase the
off-road network for all of us. Some of the officers now lead teams of helpers in order to be more effective in their
work. There is so much to do!!!
If you would like to help make riding safer and more enjoyable for
future generations by giving up some time to contribute to this important work, then please contact your County Access
Officer - details at the beginning of each County section, here on the website, or in your yearbook. Training courses
will be held within the region - please let us know how we can help you to help others.
|
|
