News

The BHS 'Access Week' will run from May 18th to May 27th in 2012

Latest News on the Forestry Commission Sell-off

Date: 9 December 2011

The Independent Panel on Forestry has issued its progress report.

The British Horse Society welcomes the Panel’s recognition that there is an important continuing role for a national public forest estate in England, and their belief that at least the current level and quality of access should be maintained, for the long term, and for the benefit of the health of the nation.

Mark Weston, British Horse Society Director of Access, Safety and Welfare said: ‘It is imperative that the Panel, in their final report recognise that equestrians should not be discriminated against and that access for equestrians should be on the same basis as it is for our co vulnerable road users, walkers and cyclists.

The Society will continue to press for the permissive access that equestrians currently enjoy in our forests to be protected by the Forestry Commission dedicating higher rights for equestrians, (pursuant to section 16 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000) in our forests."

The Independent Panel on Forestry was established on 17 March 2011 by the Secretary of State, Caroline Spelman to advise government on the future direction of forestry and woodland policy in England.

The progress report can be accessed via

http:/www.defra.gov.uk/forestrypanel/reports

Date: 29 November 2011 

Chancellor announces £2m for the creation of new bridleways

The British Horse Society enthusiastically welcomes the Chancellor’s announcement today, in his Autumn Statement, of a new £2m “Paths for Communities” grant scheme under which new paths carrying rights for equestrians, walkers and cyclists will be created.

BHS Chairman Dr. Phil Wadey said: “After years of patient campaigning, The British Horse Society’s fight to secure for equestrians the sort of provision previously available only to walkers and cyclists is beginning to pay off. We welcome the Chancellor’s recognition that public money, when spent on the creation of new rights of way from which motorised vehicles are excluded, delivers best value when all vulnerable users are catered for.”

BHS Director of Access, Safety and Welfare, Mark Weston said: “This is a hugely encouraging result after years of fighting for the rights of equestrians. With riders currently enjoying access to only 22 percent of all rights of way and carriage drivers faring even less well, and with those percentages set to diminish significantly as walkers acquire new rights of way, this initiative marks an important turning point.

“Following the Minister for Natural Environment and Fisheries’ comment in June that local authorities, when creating paths, should ensure that horse riders are accommodated as well as walkers and cyclists, it is clear that the strength of the BHS’s arguments has at last been acknowledged.”

For further information and pictures, please contact: Alison Coleman at The British Horse Society on 02476 840463 or a.coleman@bhs.org.uk.