Issue - meetings

Sharon Holt reported that there was a new code of conduct on the British Horse Society (BHS) website about how cyclists should safely pass horse riders. Sharon had a link to a two minute video put together by the Forestry Commission Wales in association with the British Horse Society. Rose Wicks had liaised with Phillip Burke, Travel Plan Co-ordinator about whether it was appropriate to link to the video from the Bracknell Forest Council (BFC) website. The link had been added to the horse page on the BFC website. Forum Members could contact Rose if they wished to see the video.

The Forestry Report included information regarding informal access to all woods and forests to all non-motorised modes of transport. Sharon queried why riders had to pay for access.

The Walking and Outdoor Festival went well; people enjoyed the event and queried whether it would take place again in the future. Rose Wicks thanked Sharon for all her work with the event, and thanked Mike Abbott for his help. The Horse Riding leaflet by BFC would be updated.

Mike Abbott reported that the Ramblers in South East Berkshire had obtained five kissing gates and these had been erected on Ambarrow Lane and Three Castles Path with help from volunteers. Mike thanked Hugh Fitzwilliams for the supervision and volunteer team on behalf of the South East Berkshire Ramblers. There was an aim for there to be plaques in future acknowledging the funding by South East Berkshire Ramblers and the help and support provided by the volunteers.

Peter Radband reported that where the Devil’s Highway passed under Foresters Way the area became badly flooded when there was heavy rain. Rose reported that this was a public right of way and the flooding was in relation to drainage of the highway. There was a Highway Works Programme and a dredger was used to clear the drainage problem, which was a lengthy process. It was suggested that this process needed to be undertaken every two to three years rather than every five years or longer. Issues in relation to public rights of way could be reported directly to the rights of way e-mail drop account rightsofway@bracknell-forest.gov.uk .

Peter raised an objection to the new car parking charges at The Look Out which some thought restricted access to the countryside. It was reported that the Forum was consulted and that there was no end date for the car park charging contract; the contract would be reviewed every six months and then yearly. Attendance figures were being monitored and the impact on other nearby parking areas was being checked and results recorded. It was queried why people were being charged for parking at The Look Out. This would be investigated further.

(Action: Graham Pockett/ Rose Wicks)