Report - Section

6.13   Key findings/issues

6.13.1 At a national level:

• Only 26% of the rights-of-way network is available for horse-riders;
• The condition of the network can cause significant problems for horse-riders.
• Muddy/boggy/flooded surfaces, deep ruts and overgrown vegetation cause the most severe problems;
• The network is fragmented. Some routes can be reached only by use of roads where the traffic levels make it dangerous to ride;
• The new Rights of Way Improvement Plans require the local Highways Agency to review route networks in a totally new way;
• Alternative means of providing routes need to be provided.

6.13.2 At a local level

• The bridleway network in the High Weald area suffers a similar, and sometimes worse, range of problems to the rest of the country and region. In particular:
• The bridleway network is limited in East Sussex;
• Routes are closed due to landowner obstruction in spite of attempts to press for solutions;
• The terrain is wet clay that is prone to flooding and erosion;
• Maintenance costs are high and unlikely to be met;
• Highway problems are significant.

6.13.3 Developing the local infrastructure

• Developing a properly researched network of routes - based on an appropriate set of standards for riders - is fundamental to the development of the equine industry. (A regional strategy for re-gaining long distance and other lost routes is required.) HWBG has already identified several circuits with maps available for consultation.
• This will require appropriate public sector policy support - to develop new safe recreational riding routes. Initiation - and implementation of - the Rights of Way Improvement Plans is crucial.
• To obtain an accurate starting point for this process, there is an urgent need to map all the various aspects of existing access: public rights of way, toll routes, agri-environment schemes, private schemes and access to public or corporately owned land (Forest Enterprise, water authorities etc). This is likely to be an essential starting point for preparation of the new Rights of Way Improvement Plan.
• More targeted data collection is needed, to provide a fuller understanding of the number, needs and profiles of those who want to ride in the countryside rather than just indoor schools.
• Given the fragmented nature of the network and other constraints in the High Weald, it will require very careful co-ordination of a range of different access opportunities eg:
  • improving the safety of routes open to all traffic through traffic restriction orders, 'quiet roads', safe road crossings and other traffic management/control schemes²⁷;
  • dedicated trails;
  • private sector access to riding areas eg: toll rides, chaser courses etc;
  • community circuits.
• On the ground, progress will only be achieved through negotiation with many different landholders and agencies. The various access options need greater encouragement. The area is large enough to offer considerable potential if landowners are willing to create links. The priority should be to initiate simple schemes that can attract reasonable grants.
• Public Rights of Way are central to this network. If all routes were open and usable this would double resource straight away. It is essential to have strong (legal) policy on enforcement and particularly towards landowners who obstruct bridle ways. Precedents are well documented by The Byways & Bridleways Trust (BBT).
• In terms of maintenance, the HWBG believes that all parties should work together with the aim of cutting back all paths annually, in order to keep the full width open and to prevent erosion. During the bird-nesting season (March - July) there is an embargo on work which increases the need for very careful planning and deployment. HWBG has recommended the following:
  • More use of local contractors with good knowledge of local ground conditions;
  • Several work teams should be deployed in the summer months to respond quickly to problems on the ground eg fallen trees, gates, fencing etc with landowner co-operation;
  • An emergency team qualified to use mobile equipment such as chainsaws, to deal promptly with acute problems;
  • Use of new types of mobile machinery eg compact tractors, flail cutters etc. which can work down narrow paths quickly and effectively;
  • Reconsideration of the level of public liability insurance.

Separate priorities need to be set up for "high" and "low" budget situations. Best practice may mean changing delivery patterns to fit new demands, negotiating with landowners, achieving fast track reactions to ground problems, solving legal problems quickly and committing to annual objectives.

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²⁷ Many small-scale initiatives could be adopted which would cumulatively offer additional safety to riders eg better horse signage on roads, use of verges including hedgerow maintenance.