RINGWOOD & FORDINGBRIDGE I wish to apply for membership of the Society on behalf of myself / myself and family. Name (block capitals please)
Address ..................................................................... ..................................................................... ...................................................................... .................................................................... Post Code......................... Telephone...................................................... Date.............................................................. Please return with your subscription to:- The Membership Secretary Subscriptions: Cheques to be made payable to:
(Please cut off this section and send it to the above address)
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THE RINGWOOD AND FORDINGBRIDGE FOOTPATH SOCIETY exists to protect the interests of users of public paths by ensuring (a) their reasonable maintenance and freedom from obstruction and (b) their adequate sign posting and waymarking. It also aims to urge local authorities to discharge their responsibilities with regard to public paths and seeks to foster and maintain friendly cooperation between path users, landowners, local authorities and the community generally. THE SOCIETY'S AREA is made up of thirteen parishes: Breamore; Damerham; Ellingham, Harbridge and Ibsley; Fordingbridge; Godshill; Hale; Hyde; Martin; Ringwood; Rockbourne; Sandleheath; Whitsbury; Woodgreen. It covers about 160 square kilometres of greatly varied countryside ranging from quiet water meadows to high wind-blown common, from the edge of the New Forest to the borders of Cranborne Chase. A variety of flora and fauna including deer may be seen, and within the New Forest, grazing ponies, cattle, donkeys, sheep and pigs may be met. THE FOOTPATH SYSTEM has developed over a long period. It was originally necessary for journeys between home and work, church, nearby towns and villages, schools and places of refreshment. Now this heritage is available not only for its original use but for recreation too. MANAGEMENT of the local footpaths rests with the Hampshire County Council and the Society liaises closely with the Council's Rights of Way Department in ensuring that bridges, stiles and gates are properly maintained; paths are kept free from obstruction; illegal ploughing of headland paths is checked; crossfield paths are reinstated after ploughing; and that, where appropriate, paths are clearly singposted and waymarked. ALTHOUGH we are essentially a footpath protection organisation, we believe that the best way of maintaining the network in good order is to make good and regular use of it. The SOCIETY therefore organises a programme of walks and social events throughout the year:
On account of the requirements laid down by the Society's insurers, dogs, while often welcome on our walks, do have to be kept under control at all times. Walk leaders may request that they be kept on a lead. THE SOCIETY publishes a quarterly newsletter "WAYMARK" which publishes details in full of the above programme. WE HOPE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN US. And while you are out, follow the Countryside Code: Be safe - plan ahead and follow the signs |