The British Horse Society celebrates Access and Off-Road
Riding in Cambridgeshire
The expansion of the bridleways network in Cambridgeshire
was celebrated by The British Horse Society (BHS) with the
presentation of Riders Charters Awards.
Presenting the awards, BHS Cambridgeshire Chairman, Frank
Haxton, said that the awards recognised an invaluable partnership
between landowners, the Countryside Services Team at Cambridgeshire
County Council, the Environment Agency and the National Lottery.
Several new bridleways, which often linked and extended existing
routes, have benefited horse riders, cyclists and walkers.
In particular, they have enabled horse riders to avoid the
roads where traffic presents a real danger.
The Countryside Services Team were partners in all the new
bridleways. Team Leader Kate Day said, “We are delighted
that our work has been recognised. But we acknowledge that
none of the new routes would have been possible without the
help and co-operation of the landowners."
At Guyhirn a new Lottery funded public bridleway is of particular
value to Hereward Riding for the Disabled Association, which
provides riding and driving experience and therapy for disabled
people throughout the Fenland area. Environment Agency Estates
Manager George Shelton said "The Agency is delighted
to have worked with The BHS and the County Council on this
project."
Riders in the villages of Over and Swavesey have gained a
public bridleway and a permissive route. Sue Rogers of Swavesey
& District Bridleway Association said "These two
new routes are important as they plug gaps in the existing
bridleway network between villages.”
Members of Fenland Bridleway Association attended presentations
at Bottisham and at Wicken and Soham for the creation of four
new linking public bridleways, and at Bottisham a new bridleway
has been created on land formerly owned by County Farms. Chairman
Louise Fuller said "Fenland Bridleways Association is
delighted to have been involved in the dedication and opening
of these wonderful new paths. The paths between Wicken and
Soham create excellent circular routes for the horse riders,
cyclists and walkers."
At Chatteris the old railway line has been upgraded to a public
bridleway, providing a safe, linear route southwards for riders,
cyclists and disabled persons, linking to an existing bridleway
leading to Somersham. Joanne Melton of Chatteris Town Council
said "We are delighted with the Award and hope the bridleway
will be well used".
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