Agenda item

Drainage work along Winkfield FP6

Rob Solomon explained that the drainage issue had been rectified, improving access along the footpath.

Surface improvements along Sandhurst FP14

BFC gained consent from Natural England for works on the site of special scientific interest (SSSI) to make surface improvements to the footpath.  It was hoped that this would make it more accessible when conditions were wet. 

New boardwalk on Warfield FP7

A new boardwalk had been installed to improve access to a seasonally wet section of Warfield FP7.  Funding came through the South East Berks Ramblers, and it was installed by Bracknell Conservation Volunteers (BCVs).  The path was becoming increasingly important, being part of the Bracknell Forest Ramblers’ Route and linking the new Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANGs) at Frost Folly and Windmill Farm.

Surface improvements along Sandhurst FP15

Surface improvements have been made to Sandhurst FP15.  This is a narrow footpath linking Branksome Hill Road to College Road, providing a useful route for school children and residents accessing local shops. 

Winkfield FP10

Colin Bird thanked Rob for arranging the footbridge to be fixed on the same day as reporting it.  Rob explained that it was prioritised as a health and safety issue.

The Crown Estate

Rory Kerr introduced himself and his role as a forest warden at The Crown Estate.  The vast majority of Crown Estate land had public access.  Rory was invited by Colin Bird to raise any issues of access and the forum would be happy to discuss.  Furthermore, the forum would like to better understand The Crown Estate’s intentions for public access to Whitmoor Bog from access points following some representations from the public, other than the section where the fence was repaired by BFC.  Rory replied that he was not aware of any issues of access.  There had been some issues around antisocial behaviour, but these issues seemed to have been resolved since the fence line had been repaired. 

Colin also asked about the part of the site used for Lapland UK and whether it was still acceptable for members of the public to use the walking route around the south side of the houses.  Rory confirmed that they would always make sure there was some sort of route around.  One difficulty this year had been that South East Water was still repairing a large leak and this had limited some access. 

Colin asked whether all the “walkers welcome” signs were still displayed around the entrances.  Rory replied that they were all still there except one which was removed by the timber yard on the Swinley Park site due to a safety concern. 

Graham Pockett highlighted that Crowthorne Forest had been taken over from the Forestry Commission and it was unusual in having Public Rights of Way (PRoW) whereas elsewhere the forest paths had permissive access.  Richard Mosses asked whether the 3 Castles Path could be made a PRoW.  Graham replied that it was not possible to create a new PRoW on The Crown Estate land as there was a historical agreement that meant rights of way would not be created by use, and the Crown Estate land was not subject to the Highways Act.  Graham highlighted that there was a section of path near Ice House Hill which had got fallen trees across it.  Rory replied that he had looked at that today.  The main forest tracks had been cleared after high winds had caused debris to obstruct them.  This track had not yet been cleared as it was not a regular route they used for site maintenance; however, there was a plan to clear it. 

Colin asked whether any more waymarkers could be installed within The Crown Estate regarding the Bracknell Ramblers’ Route.  Rory did not think there would be a problem with that.  Rob Solomon advised that BFC had a stock of signage which could be used.  (Action: Rob Solomon)

Richard Mosses asked whether the meetings for users of Swinley Forest which used to be held at The Look Out would start again.  Rory replied that he believed that it was still something that The Crown Estate wanted; Richard Everett was keen to get different opinions and maximise the public’s enjoyment of the land.

Winkfield FPs13 and 19

Graham Pockett updated that a Public Path Diversion Order had been made which was currently in the 6-week consultation period.  Notices had gone up at either end of the paths and sent to the parish council, prescribed organisations and landowners.  Graham had done site inspections and found that a couple of sections are impassable currently.  This had been brought to the contractor’s attention and they had advised that the issues would be dealt with during this 6-week period.  Once the consultation period had finished, providing there were no objections and the new paths were made accessible, the order would be confirmed and way markers would be installed. 

Broadmoor Estate

The landowners had introduced new signage in woodland areas on the Broadmoor Estate.  The site was owned by North West London Mental Health Trust.  It seemed to be mainly about liability concerns, but the signs told people that they were trespassing.  The signs were also located on the route of the 3 Castles Path and this would be discussed further under Item 8 (Claimed Rights of Way).  Graham had written to the Trust asking if they had considered that the path where they were looking to restrict access was part of a promoted route, but Graham had not had a response yet. 

Cabbage Hill and The Cut route

Rose Wicks updated that improvements had been made to the route description and map following helpful feedback from the forum.  One suggestion was to provide a shortcut route to the map and that had been included.  They had also added a few more labels for the roads and added in the waterway.  A few tweaks had been made to the text.  A PDF copy of the leaflet had been produced but Rose was liaising with the website team about the best way to publicise this information online so it was most accessible for people, as sometimes PDFs could have accessibility issues.  Hugh Fitzwilliams highlighted that Long Copse, which was referenced in the map, was the subject of a planning application to become a SANG.