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RIDER RIGHTS
National Trails Review - North Downs Way
"The reference to riding in NE’s response is so minor and lost that equestrians will disappear in all but name "
Says Bob Milton
It seems that yet again we are pitted against NE. This time it is the National Trails with the appointment of Walk England as the promotion company. By definition the company, if that is what it is, has no interest in equestrian access. I would think that cyclist would do alright as they have the backing of millions of lottery money from Sustrans but most money I believe will be spent on the trail corridor which has no definition and is at the moment outside of the legislation.
The reference to riding in NE’s response 2.2 is so minor and lost that equestrians will disappear in all but name and the fact they have ticked the box but done nothing will not even be measured
Natural England's Response
2.2 Our vision for National Trails is that they are a family of the highest quality public routes for extensive off road journeys connecting our finest landscapes. All of the trails can be completed on foot and several can also be used by horse riders and cyclists. The benefits which National Trails provide to society include public enjoyment; local economic benefit through tourism; environmental enhancement and civic engagement. Our underpinning management principles which flow from these benefits are:
If the first bullet point above is correct let them show it with the North Downs Way and make it useable and lawful for equestrians and cyclists.
The usability indicators ie targets KPI and KI do not include the upgrading for all non motorised users
National Trails review:
feedback from the consultation and implementation of changes - NEB PU34 06: (167kb)
National Trails review: feedback from the consultation and implementation of changes - NEB PU34 06: (167kb)
- Annex A: Natural England's response: (396kb)
- Annex B: Report of the Standards Working Group: (266kb)
- Annex C: Report of the Funding Working Group: (322kb)
- Annex D: Analysis of responses to Natural England's consultation: (643kb)
- Annex E: Summary of engagement: (109kb)
The Ramblers have handed in a petition with 18,000 signatures demanding Natural England rethinks its proposals. ...............details