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It's the Summer holidays so my voluntary work for the British Horse Society slows down somewhat. However, our children do enjoy a rural adventure especially if there are woods to gamble in and puddles to splash in.
With a flexible approach and a friendly estate manager, it has been possible to exercise the children and discuss bridleway improvements, to benefit our local equestrian community and hopefully the wider population.
It's only the very start of August but there are some ripe blackberries lining some of the routes. They could do with some more sun to sweeten them but this added an additonal interactive element to our adventure.
There is much to be done to improve access for equestrians across the public rights of way network. New routes need to be found to enable joined up, safe, off road riding. The British Horse Society has a few hundred volunteers working away, with the support of the Society's employed officers.
5 ways you could help:
Contact your local bridleways officer to let them know where you ride, local intel is very valuable
Report any issues such as difficult gates, overgrown vegetation or blocked routes on your council's interactive map or website
Read about the access work the BHS is doing related to Project 2026 (www.bhs.org.uk)
Learn about access - the BHS offer virtual training for all on different subjects from consulting on local planning decisions to applying for modifications to the "definitive map" - the official record of public rights of way
Consider doing the Ride Safe Challenge Award with an APC or at an approved Riding Centre as a way to educate yourself and others on good practice when riding out.
If you have questions or thoughts you are very welcome to email me: anna.hawkins@bhsvolunteer.org.uk
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