Minutes:
Richard Everett, Chief Forester of the Crown Estate, provided an update from the Crown Richard Everett, Chief Forester of The Crown Estate, provided an update.
Richard informed the Forum that a drive to prevent anti-social behaviour had begun in Swinley Forest. Unauthorised access by both petrol and electric motorbikes had been the most prevalent issue within the forest. Forest wardens had identified several points of access where this had been originating from. This intelligence had been shared with Thames Vally Police (TVP). This had helped the police in apprehending an individual with an electric motorbike. The outcome was that several section 59 notices were issued to the individuals involved. This work with TVP would be ongoing, to prevent further anti-social behaviour within the forest.
Over the winter there had been ongoing work to keep as much of each site open as possible, whilst quickly repairing any damage. The poor weather had made this winter particularly difficult. Signage both onsite and online had been posted to keep the public up to date with any areas that needed to be closed off.
A code of practice for dog walkers on The Crown Estate land was being produced. A new signage policy was also being produced. It was hoped both policies would be launched later in the summer.
Following feedback from the last meeting, the path around the back of Swinley depot had been investigated. Work to resolve issues with accessibility could be carried out, albeit it had so far been delayed due to the weather being extremely wet.
In questions and comments the following points were raised and noted:
· A few accidents with motorbikes and the public had only been narrowly avoided in Swinley Forest. There had also been cases of collisions with other mountain bikers on the trails.
· Implementing installation of new Ramblers Route signs remained in progress.
· Due to the quality of battery, electric motorbikes pose a greater fire risk than e-bikes.
· In future The Crown Estate would also notify Crowthorne Parish Council of any major work happening on site. This follows feedback received from tree work carried out along Crowthorne Road.
Estate.
Richard informed the Forum that a drive to prevent anti-social behaviour had begun in Swinley Forest. Unauthorised access to both petrol and electric motorbikes had been the most prevalent issue within the forest. Forest wardens had identified several points of access where this had been originating from. This intelligence had been shared with TVP, which had helped the police in apprehending an individual with an electric motorbike, which ultimately led to several section 59 notices being issued to him and associates. This work with TVP would be ongoing, to prevent further anti-social behaviour within the forest.
Over the winter there had been ongoing work to keep as much of each Crown Estate site open as possible, whilst quickly repairing any damage to the sites. The poor weather had made this winter particularly difficult. Signage both onsite and online had been posted to keep the public up to date with any areas that were forced to be closed off.
A code of practice for dogs on Crown Estate land was being produced. A new signage policy was also being produced. It was hoped both policies would be launched later in the summer.
The path around the back of Swinley depot had been investigated and work could be carried out, albeit it had so far been delayed due to the weather being extremely wet.
In questions and comments the following points were raised and noted: