The Hampshire Countryside Access Plan has recently been published along with ones for 7 different areas within Hampshire.  We are particularly interested in the Countryside Access Plan for the New Forest and South West Hampshire 2008-2013.  This plan incorporates the Rights of Way Improvement Plan.  It can be found at www.hants.gov.uk/countryside-access-plans .  It is also available in some libraries.

These plans identify aims, actions, timescales, estimated costs and the lead bodies and partners in implementing the plans.  One of the aims, NF3.2, is to “Identify ‘gaps’ in the network and to prioritise and propose solutions, eg. Creation of new routes.”

As you know from the last Waymark we are involved in the creation of one of the desired new routes.  Volunteers have to date spent 124 hours clearing vegetation and debris from the former Breamore railway line near Breamore.  This new route will link existing paths and provide a safe route almost parallel to the A338.  It will eventually run from Burgate Cross to South Charford Farm. 

Good progress is being made with support from Breamore Parish Council.  A bridge will be installed just north of the old railway station.  Unfortunately there has been delay in clearing one section because of hibernating reptiles just south of the station.  Most of the path should be open before the end of May.  Details of this will be in the Walks Programme.  I hope some of you will be there for a small ceremony to celebrate the progress made.  It is possible to access the route using public transport.  The X3 bus stops nearby and there is a new path to the old railway line from Hulse Hall and improvements to other nearby paths.

Improved access to the New Forest coast is another aim and with this in mind 6 of us joined other rights of way users to fly kites to publicise our desire and the difficulty in achieving it posed at the eastern end of Lepe Country Park.  We had fun as did those in mobility buggies who were able to race along with the kites and I think get them up higher than us.  The event also highlighted the need for Access for All.
Ruth Crocker – Chairman

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