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Issue No. 131 Mar. 2007 


 WAYMARK
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www.rffs.org.uk

President
Chairman
Vice Chairman & Footpath Secretary
Honorary Secretary
Treasurer
Waymark Editor
Programme Secretary
Publicity Secretary
Social Secretary
Membership Secretary
WebsiteManager (www.rffs.org.uk)

Rowan Brockhurst
Ruth Croker
Rowan Brockhurst
Sandi Bradshaw
Keith Davis
Charles Sexton
Pat Whiteing
Joy Tosdevin
David Seymour
Alison Sherman  Tel: 01425 654237
David Knapp
News from the Ringwood and Fordingbridge Footpath  Society
THE WAY AHEAD
I think it appropriate to follow up on some items I mentioned in the last Way Ahead.  I told you we were hoping to do some path clearance work.  As individuals some of us have done a little work to facilitate the progress of walkers along paths we are using in our walks programme but we have not had any working parties.  I set up one but when I went out to do a health and safety check a few days before I found the path had been cleared - presumably by the landowner.  Very pleasing.
I also had a very pleasant surprise when I took a group to look at a stile which was dangerous and very badly in need of repair two days before but found a brand new one in situ plus lots of new waymarking.  This time the County Council Rights of Way team had done the work.  All very encouraging but we will be out doing some work shortly.  Anyone interested in helping should get in touch with me.  On a more disappointing note there is a delay in the consultation on coastal access.  It will probably be at least the end of May before the consultation document is published.  In January I arranged for Saira Evans of the New Forest National Park to come on one of our walks to meet and talk with walkers about a Recreation Strategy for the National Park.  The National Park is also taking an interest in recreation in the Avon Valley and other surrounding areas.  Saira Evans and Sarah Manchester will be coming to our AGM on Monday 19th March and will give a short presentation on this. 

I am sure they will be able to update us on other matters of interest.  Do come along.

New Forest Inclosures Forest Design Plan.
On Saturday 21st April the Forestry Commission is planning to erect a marquee at Bolderwood car park where there will be a display related to the plans.  There will be two walks on the day.  Further details will appear in the Press nearer the time.
                                        Ruth Croker – Chairman

PROGRESS PROJECT
Proposals, drawn up by the European-funded PROGRESS project, are for four of the 134 car parks in some of the most sensitive locations to be closed between March and June.  The sites would then be monitored to test the effect the closures have on ground-nesting birds such as redshanks, lapwing snipe and curlews.
Surveys undertaken by the PROGRESS team last autumn found that 92% of people felt protection of rare wildlife habitats on the forest was important, while another 74% said that they supported seasonal car park closures.
Car parks affected would be :-
Clayhill (Burley)           Hincheslea Wood
Crockford                 Crockford Clump.

Further information from 023 8028 3141, or website www.forestry.gov.uk/newforest                               Ed
 
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