Author: Hilary Habberfield

Council National Projects Parliament

Government U-turn See New 2031 Deadline and Puts Bridleway Routes at Risks

The BHS has condemned the decision and has said that it puts “horse riders at increasing risk on England’s roads”.

“The British Horse Society (BHS) is extremely disappointed to learn that the UK Government has broken its commitment to abolishing the 2026 deadline for saving vital off-road routes,” said a BHS spokesman.

“This decision will mean such routes across England will be lost for ever, resulting in even more restrictions when it comes to accessing the countryside.

“For horse riders, who currently have access to just 22% of the rights of way network, this decision will be particularly damaging. In 2022 alone, 68 horses were killed on Britain’s roads and 139 riders injured, therefore the protection of safe off-road routes is critical to make sure equestrians remain safe.”

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/mar/22/government-accused-u-turn-england-footpath-promise

https://beta.ramblers.org.uk/news/government-breaks-promise-scrap-deadline-saving-lost-paths

https://beta.ramblers.org.uk/news/how-government-told-us-about-their-u-turn-saving-lost-paths

https://singletrackworld.com/2023/03/government-changes-policy-on-rights-of-way-the-deadline-is-back/

National Projects New Routes

A303 Sparkford to Ilchester dualling scheme – update from site

National Highways sent this bulletin at 16-03-2023 04:25 PM GMT

Good afternoon

Please find the latest A303 Sparkford to Ilchester Dualling scheme update below.

March 28, Haynes Motor Museum, noon to 4pm
March 29 and 30,  Teals Farm Shop, South Cadbury,  9 to 5,
March 31, Haynes Motor Museum, 9 to 1pm
A303 Sparkford to Ilchester scheme update
Find out about progress on site, our plans to come out and meet local people with our ‘engagement van’ at the end of March, and see our latest aerial photography.
Go to this Sway

National Projects New Routes

A358 Taunton to Southfields Dualling Scheme Update

National Highways’ Development Consent Order application for the A358 Taunton to Southfields Dualling Scheme, previously due to be submitted before the end of 2022, has been paused to support a review into the appropriateness of the environmental mitigations proposed for the project.

You can stay up to date with project news on the A358 Taunton to Southfields Dualling Scheme webpage, where you can also sign up to the National Highways newsletter.

SSBA will continue to promote the interests of horse riders and carriage drivers as the project develops.

Recommendations Volunteering Wildlife

Seedlings and saplings for natural protection

Hedges make a great natural shelter for horses (and other animals!). It’s a good idea to plant new hedges along bare fence lines and add saplings into old ‘gappy’ hedges. Our Committee member, Belinda, has a few spare seedlings and small saplings of native hedge species (Hawthorn, Field Maple etc). Please call her (telephone number on the newsletter) or email info@southsomersetbridlewaysassociation.co.uk if you would like to collect some from her home near South Petherton.

New Routes Rides Route maintenance

New Bridleway at Compton Dundon

If any of you have walked or ridden along the new bridleway recently you will have seen how much work was achieved by the Compton Dundon Rights of Way volunteers who cleared some of the grass during September. The newly planted hedge is doing well and few plants were lost despite the extreme summer heat and drought. It has been wonderful to see how much it is being used and to be thanked by the horse riders who seem to be really appreciating it. The bridleway has definitely been a great success.

There is still a short section to finish plus clearing around the line of trees, planting up a small corner and applying some more wood chip mulch. 

We will be meeting on the 13th November at 10.30am (Peak Lane at end of new green lane) to hopefully finish the work which will set it up well for the next year. Bring gloves, spade, trowel or whatever tool you prefer. There will be cake but do bring a drink. 

If you would like to join us  please email info@southsomersetbridlewaysassociation.co.uk

Recommendations Volunteering

Vote for Our Access Champions Phil Wadey & Sarah Bucks

The Horse & Hound Podcast Volunteer of the Year 2022

Phil and Sarah have worked tirelessly for many years to try and restore our lost bridleways and restricted byways.

If you enjoy riding out and off road, please show your support by clicking on the link above and voting for our amazing access champions, Phil Wadey and Sarah Bucks.

VOTING CLOSES THIS THURSDAY 27TH OCTOBER AT 11.59PM