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Riders and the Countryside Code
By Jan Arthur, Vice-Chair
Have you ever considered your impact on the countryside when you’re out riding? There are ways that we can think about what we are doing if we follow the updated Countryside Code. Respect; Protect; Enjoy.
Riders should: Respect everyone: be considerate of others; be nice, say ‘hello’; leave gates as you find them; follow bridleway signs.
Protect the environment: take your litter home; care for nature- do not cause damage or disturbance. Enjoy: check your route and local conditions; plan your adventure; enjoy your visit. If we all think a bit more about others’ point of view, we can all make a difference.
Landowners and the Countryside Code Landowners also have their role, they must: Accept their rights and responsibilities: keep rights of way clear; do not obstruct access to access land
Make it easy for visitors to act responsibly: keep paths clear and way marks and signs in good order; create appropriate gaps in boundary features; give clear polite guidance when necessary; get rid of your own rubbish responsibly to encourage others to do the same
Identify threats to visitor safety: avoid using electric fencing next to PRoWs, use warning signs when you have to; use chemicals responsibly; animals which may attack visitors should not be able to roam freely on public access land.
Perhaps these are ideal aspirations! But think… Landowners have their concerns over the way the public use their land: ‘people do not adhere to the Countryside code, this is a serious issue; the public think they can go anywhere; dogs not under control cause problems with stock – sheep chasing; horse riders don’t keep to rights of way; crops get damaged and stock frightened; mountain bikers often leave gates open; there is illegal night time activity; criminal activity includes lamping and poaching; people can be aggressive and abusive.’
We riders have our frustrations with Landowners too, but with all these and other issues to put up with, we as riders can help to improve things for everyone; countryside users and landowners alike. Riders need to get landowners on our side, especially if we want to pursue the Express Dedication at Common Law route, explained in another article in this edition of Update. One way to do this is by putting the Countryside Code into operation when we are out and about.
Also see
www.gov.uk/countrysidecode; and ELMs159 test report appendix June 2021
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Chair Julia Wilson 07795 818856 juliawilson012@hotmail.co.uk Vice Chair/Publicity Jan Arthur 01277 650985 j.arthur0985@btinternet.com Treasurer Louise Fuller 01245 421614 louiserfuller@hotmail.com Secretary Lisa Guy 07792 166591 lisa@lifetimefinancial.biz Membership Secretary Alison Craigmile 07956 318502 ebamemsec@yahoo.co.uk Rides Entry Secretary Denise Dillon 07545 213056 denisedillon77@btinternet.com Rides Coordinator Sandra Deeran 07958 909319 sdeeran@gmail.com Ride and Share Julia Wilson 07795 818856 juliawilson012@hotmail.co.uk Historic Records Officer Mick Brash 01621 740966 mickbrash@tiscali.co.uk Historic Research Christine Tout 07946 789757 chrissierose@talktalk.net Bridleways Development Sue Dobson 01245 227083 suedobson.eba@gmail.com Projects and Funding Christine Rust 07849 029632 ebaprojectmanager@gmail.com EBA Update Editor Jane Skinner 07757 916138 janeskinner51@gmail.com Website Administrator Sally Crone 07731 504438 s.a.crone@btinternet.com Bridleway Clearance Coordinator Brenda Hatch 01277 899541 brendahatch-eba@outlook.com Press Secretary Mary Balch 07759 601271 maryblodge5210@uwclub.net Rides Coordinator/Social Media Alison Power 07932 678524 alisonjean6@yahoo.co.uk
EBA Area Representatives
Basildon
Jan Arthur 07813 905022 j.arthur0985@btinternet.com Braintree Michelle Woodall 07809 439383 michelle.woodall@btinternet.com Mandy French 01371 850215 amandajfrench1@gmail.com Brentwood & Havering Linda Hobbs 01708 229055 Castle Point Alison Power 07932 678524 alisonjean6@yahoo.co.uk Chelmsford Sue Fincham 01245 440795 Suefincham780@btinternet.com Colchester Cheryl Damen 07876 552662 colchester.essexbridleways association@outlook.com
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Joy Thorpe 07984 410242 joy10@live.co.uk Maldon Caroline Cowell 07941 471508 capbailey@hotmail.com Rochford & Southend Geoff Box geoff.box@btinternet.com Tendring Pat Cooper 01255 880296 pat.cooper@live.co.uk
Thurrock Uttlesford Jenny Mann 07909 787881 Sarah Hodgson 07871 169406 hodgsonsmh@btinternet.com Sarah Moss 07966 994367 sarahmoss77@hotmail.co.uk
