Minutes:
Proposal to improve Sandhurst FP15 surface
Rose Wicks updated that the Parks & Countryside team was working on a project to improve the surface condition along Sandhurst FP15 which was a very narrow path not accessible by wheelchair / buggy but used as a popular through route by pedestrians. The path was currently unsurfaced and was prone to becoming muddy underfoot in the autumn and winter and overgrown with vegetation during the spring and summer. Resurfacing work would help to resolve this and improve the footpath’s accessibility. Approval was being sought from the Council to fund improvements. Rob Soloman added that contractors were standing-by to do the work pending approval.
Due to the narrow path, it was anticipated to be a slow process as they would not be able to use normal machinery to get up and down so it would all be done manually. Residents neighbouring the footpath had been consulted and no comments or queries had been received.
Warfield FP7
Rob Solomon advised that funding had been received from the Ramblers to install a boardwalk along the eastern section of Warfield FP7. The section formed part of the Bracknell Forest Ramblers’ Route and would increasingly be used to link the new Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) sites of Windmill Farm and the several Frost Folly sites. Approval had been received from the landowner to put in extra drainage and install an extra boardwalk section. It was hoped that work would start summer / autumn 2022, using volunteer groups and the rangers. The new boardwalk would make it more accessible throughout the year.
Winkfield FPs13 and 19
Graham Pockett explained that the diversion order had been drafted and was about to be issued, at which point notices would go out to landowners and parish councils, etc. There would be the usual 42-day consultation process. There was still some work to do with the polo club as they would need to make the surface conditions suitable. Geoff Paxton advised that Winkfield Parish Council were in favour of this. The forum was keen for way-markers to be installed as the route of the diversion would not be clear otherwise.
3 Castles Path over the railway
Geoff Paxton advised that he had suggested to the Highways department to put in some traffic lights at the point the Swinley Road goes over the railway line (road bridge), but they declined. Pedestrians had to walk with the traffic up the hill, and the road was derestricted so vehicles could be travelling up to 60 mph (the speed limit would need to be decreased if traffic lights were installed). Members discussed alternative options: installing signage clearly stating that pedestrians would be using the footbridge and painting a white line in the middle of the road to encourage vehicles to slow down. Geoff agreed to raise it at Winkfield Parish Council meetings, and it was suggested that the LCAF could also make representation.
Access to Whitmoor Bog / Bog Lane from Martins Heron
Colin Bird had been contacted by a member of the public who had also contacted the Ramblers. Pedestrians used to be able to access Whitmoor Bog unofficially through gaps in the fence adjacent to New Forest Ride. The fence had now been repaired by the Council at the request of The Crown Estate (there was a legal agreement to maintain the fence), resulting in no access at this point. There had been a sign on site saying that walkers were welcome, but it was unclear whether the sign was still there. Chris Swatridge had spoken to The Crown Estate, and they said that they do not want this to be a formal access point, and that there were plenty of other formal access points to their land. The forum understood the need for the fence to be repaired but would be concerned about public access to open spaces being reduced and would like to have clarification on The Crown Estate’s intentions for public access to Whitmoor Bog from other access points. It was agreed to invite a representative from The Crown Estate to the next meeting. (Action: Rose Wicks / Graham Pockett)
Access to Napier Woods and the Broadmoor Estate
Colin Bird had been contacted by the Ramblers Association following new signs being installed discouraging access to woodland on the Broadmoor Estate. The new signs were positioned on forest tracks in areas of woodland that had been used by local residents over many years / generations. It was unclear why the signs had been put up. It was agreed that Graham would write to the Broadmoor Estate for clarification. (Action: Graham Pockett)