Over the last 3 months Rowan Brockhurst and I have responded to a number of consultations on behalf of our Society.  The 2 New Forest National Park consultations, The National Park Plan Consultation Draft and the Draft Recreation Management Strategy have received a lot of publicity in the press.  We found little in them that was controversial from a walking point of view although we were slightly concerned about the possibility of the zoning of recreation and the effect this might have on us and the Avon Valley.  We have responded to this effect.

I have also responded to the consultation on the Management Plan for the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  This area includes a number of the Parishes within our patch.  The parishes are Damerham, Martin, Rockbourne, Whitsbury and Breamore.  I had been involved in some of the preliminary discussions on this from an access viewpoint and I did not find the contents controversial.

By the time you read this some of us will have participated in 2 other interesting activities of a more physical nature.  We are starting work on making a footpath on the old Breamore Railway Line. 

This will involve a lot of vegetation clearance and the building of a bridge over a stream.  It should be similar work to that on the Castleman Trail.  There will be more working parties for this.  If you are interested in helping please let me know.  Although it is hard work it is also fun and the end result should be good.  We are doing the work under the auspices of Hampshire County Council’s Paths Partnership.  If you register your interest with me I will let you know the date of the next working party.

The Coastal Access legislation, which is included within the Marine Bill, is progressing.  It is expected, all being well, to begin its Parliamentary passage in December.  To achieve publicity for this some of us are participating in an event at Lepe Country Park.  Many of us have been frustrated when we have found our path blocked in our route along the coast at this point.  Many of you will realise that the Solent Way goes a long way inland and that much of it is on road. This is very frustrating and something we hope will be overcome if the legislation is passed.

I hope to meet up with many of you at our Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Seasonal  Greetings to you all.                                                           Ruth.

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