What can we do
to help clarify what damage is being caused to our Rights of Way
network and who or what is responsible? What is needed is a survey
of as many as possible of the footpaths, bridleways, Rupps and byways
in the UK. The survey should be unbiased and objective. The evidence
I've seen so far suggests that the vast majority of our rights of
way are not being damaged at all. In fact there is more chance of
them being overgrown and impassable through lack of use. Where there
is damage then it is often caused by horses, agricultural vehicles
or simply the weather (and poor drainage).
You may have noticed that a huge number of radio news items start
with the phrase, "a recent survey has shown..." - this
is our chance to set the record straight before the Government
and Alun Michael in particular spoil the countryside for ever.
Download the rights
of way survey form now, full instructions are printed on the
reverse.
The following
photos all show typical damage to green lanes in my area (Wiltshire):
Surface of this well used byway is excellent except for tractor
damage
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This bridleway is blocked to vehicles - all the damage here is
caused by horses except for one bicycle track
A single horse has scooped up the surface which had already been
marked by a tractor
This Rupp is almost never used by vehicles - all this damage has
been caused by horses
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