Projects

HWBG takes a keen interest in the whole gamut of bridleway routes and projects in the area, including:

• The Rotherfield Community Tourism Project
• Route Maintenance
• Reclaiming lost paths
• A Survey of the value & potential of the equestrian Industry in the High Weald economy
• The BHS Ride-UK

The Rotherfield Community Tourism Project

The parish of Rotherfield was identified as being one that would benefit by an increase of “green tourism’. Various projects were considered and there was much consultation and advice sent from many organisations including Wealden District Council Tourist Officers, the Countryside Agency and most important, Rotherfield parishioners.

In December 2000 a committee was set up to take forward the project that was to be developed, namely to create a series of circular routes using bridleways and quiet country lanes that could be promoted for walkers, riders and cyclists.

The undulating Wealden countryside around Rotherfield is particularly lovely, but many of the bridleways are unrideable at present and have fallen into disuse, so much needs to be done. The costings have been prepared and the feasibility study has highlighted the pros and cons that need addressing. Large sums of money are needed so that the bridleways can be repaired, the routes signed, parking identified, places of historic interest such as the iron workings marked and where the terrain permits, good access for wheelchairs and other disabled people, that is unless you are one of these intrepid wheelchair users that regard hilly terrain as a challenge, in which case you will be able to get everywhere.

The circular routes are interconnecting and long distance routes from North, South and East intersect.

A number of farmers will be offering bed and breakfast for horse and rider and a list of pubs and overnight accommodation will be produced.

The National Toll Ride organisation has applied for funds to develop further rides on farm land in Rotherfield and this will help to attract riders (walkers and cyclists) from other areas who want to stay for a few days.

Application for funding is always complex and time consuming but indications are positive and we are hopeful that work on the bridleway will begin this year (2002) and be completed next year. The work on this project has been very much a team effort and we are pleased to be one of that team.

For up to the minute news on this project see the Rotherfield website.

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Route Maintenance

We have a continual dialogue with the East Sussex Rights of Way Department reporting problems and passing on member’s views. We are constantly trying to make sure all our bridlepaths are open to ride winter and summer.

HWBG actively participates in route clearance. Two particularly pleasing results have been improvements in Mayfield, Dallington and Battle. We have a continual dialogue with the East Sussex Rights of Way Department reporting problems and passing on member's views. We are constantly trying to make sure all our bridlepaths are open to ride winter and summer.

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Reclaiming lost paths

HWBG does all it can to reclaim bridleways lost to general use. (It is a myth that "non-usage" removes the Right of Way.) Paths reclaimed recently include: Sickle Hatch Lane, Old Heathfield

Have you come across a path or bridleway that looks disused?

With the advent of the new Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CROW) comes a responsibility to see that no ancient routes are left off the Definitive Map. We have only until 2026 to finalise this.

Unfortunately, our existing committee members are already fully stretched with other projects. If there is anyone who likes a challenge and would love to delve into the archives and prove our right to ride PLEASE come forward.

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A Survey of the value & potential of the equestrian Industry in the High Weald economy

Thanks to a huge effort by one of our members we have recently been awarded funding to conduct a study into the extent of the Equestrian Community in the High Weald and its financial impact on local business. This will enable us to prove our value to the local economy and to press for safe off-road riding as a necessity.

To read the study please go to Equestrian Study in main index.
Or download the study in PDF format (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to read this which you can download here).

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The BHS Ride-UK

The BHS have suggested that riders try to organise circular routes around towns. As bridlepaths they will benefit the whole community as walkers and cyclists can use them. These circular routes can then be linked together with linear routes and eventually to the National Long Distance Routes such as The Pennine Way, The South Downs Way etc.

We are trying to establish a community circuit around Battle, East Sussex.

For more information you can visit the web site www.Ride-UK.co.uk

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