Mark Spencer MP - Clueless

Just heard Mark Spencer MP for Sherwood on BBC East Midlands Today talking about Public Rights of Way on private property in the context of the forest sale scandal. It's obvious he has no idea about the status of Rights of Way and thinks that they are owned by landowners and not the Highway Authority.

He needs to stick to something he knows something about (whatever that is).

Private Forest Ownership equals Less Access

Robin Wood near Melbourne is a prime example of how access to woodland can easily be reduced by private owners. This wood is owned by the Church Commissioners (i.e. the Church of England) and managed by the Forestry Commission. For many years open access to the wood allowed mountain bikers and horse riders to roam over all of it. However just over a year ago, things changed and a sign appeared announcing that the lease had changed. Changed for the worse. Public access was now prohibited. Prohibited, despite the fact that a public bridleway runs through the middle of it.

After pressure, tatty A4 posters were produced to say that the bridleway and the footpath were not affected but all other access was not allowed. Those tatty posters have gone but the bridleway is still not properly way-marked. 

Of course the locals ignore the "No Public Access" sign and still ride their horses and mountain bikes over the site. A less generous private owner would no doubt fence the site off and allow narrow channels for the public rights of way as has happened at Rigg Wood in Cumbria. Make no mistake the privatisation of our forestry will disadvantage walkers, horse riders, orienteerers and mountain-bikers. If you belong to any of these groups make your voice heard before you lose your access.

Swannington Footpath Re-opened

The Swannington footpath N108 closed by a local landowner has re-opened with a nice new sign after the Planning Inspectorate has ordered its re-instatement.

Well done to Swannington Parish Council, the Ramblers (Stan Warren) and the Leicestershire Footpath Association for putting up such a fine performance at the Public Inquiry last February.

Follow this link for the full story:

http://melbournefootpaths.blogspot.com/2010/02/swannington-path-inquiry.html

Melbourne Walking Festival 25 to 26 June 2011

From the Melbourne Walking Festival website:

This summer Melbourne Civic Society will host a weekend of walks in the attractive landscapes of South Derbyshire surrounding the historic  market town of Melbourne.

In all, we will offer 7 walks details of which are given on the Walks page. These range from 4 to 15 km, so suit all levels. On the Saturday there will be a Town Walk led by a leading local historian.

Why not join us in walking the attractive countryside surrounding our town?

The link is here:

http://www.melbournewalkingfestival.co.uk/

Why not book a place!