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Ar-Elaf-18.10.16-Item E.Pdf ITEM E ADVICE FROM THE EXMOOR LOCAL ACCESS FORUM TO EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY on Permitted Higher Access Proposals on Land owned by ENPA Background In 2011/12, Exmoor Local Access Forum submitted broad advice to the Authority regarding permitted access for horse riders and cyclists on ENPA owned land. This advice, compiled in collaboration with West Somerset and Exmoor Bridleways Association, recommended that the Authority consider permitting open access for riders and cyclists on certain land holdings. The PROW & Access Officer at that time, Abbie Keeper, began the process of carrying out an internal consultation but left her post before the findings could be presented to the LAF or taken further. Since then, the current post holder, Sue Applegate has examined the findings, met with lead LAF member Alison Kent and held a meeting internally with the ENPA Land Agent, western area Ranger and Access & Recreation Manager to bring the proposals up to date. This draft report was brought to the LAF in May 2016 and members responded with detailed comments which are summarised in a separate paper (Item D) – some minor amendments to the advice were made before this final paper was presented to the LAF for approval at the October meeting. This detailed advice is now being formally presented to ENPA with the request that these proposals are considered and implemented where possible. It is recognised that further wider consultation with Natural England, the RSPB (on the recommendation of the Wildlife Officer), tenants, affected neighbouring landowners and other interested parties will be necessary. It is also recognised that approval will need to be sought within the Authority from the ENPA Leadership Team and from the ENPA Members. Finally it is acknowledged that, where access is increased, monitoring will be required to ensure that there is no significant detrimental impact. Where such an impact starts to occur, the access provision may need to be reviewed. In addition to the site specific comments, the Exmoor LAF consultation demonstrated that members feel that information provision of the existing permitted higher access needs to be improved. The ENPA website needs to be updated and permitted routes on ENPA land need to be shown on OS maps so that the public are better informed about their availability. ENPA officers are already taking steps to improve this and any further access improvements that come about as a result of this paper will be made known to the public in the same way. 1 ITEM E Contents Haddon Hill, Brompton Regis ......................................................................................................... 3 Burridge Woods, Dulverton ............................................................................................................ 4 North Hill, Selworthy and Minehead Without .................................................................................. 6 East Anstey Common, East Anstey ............................................................................................... 7 Mill Hill, Oare ................................................................................................................................... 8 Hawkcombe Woods, Porlock .......................................................................................................... 9 Exmoor .......................................................................................................................................... 11 Appendix A: Information from internal consultations .................................................................... 14 2 ITEM E Haddon Hill, Brompton Regis Current access and use There are no public bridleways crossing or circling Haddon Hill, although routes do run along Haddon Lane and Lady Ackland’s Drive on the southern and northern edges respectively. Whilst the Authority owns the central area of Haddon Hill, the land to the west and east is in private ownership. The hill has good road access, it is well-used by walkers particularly with dogs, and some of the tracks are quite easily accessible. Due to the scale and nature of the site and tracks, conflict between user groups is likely to be minimal. There are numerous farms and small communities in the surrounding area plus, with facilities including car parking and toilets on the Hill and a café, camping, bike hire, and watersports at Wimbleball Lake, visitors may also be attracted to this site. Potential for increased access South West Lakes Trust is seeking to increase cycling opportunities near the lake, and increased access on Haddon Hill could connect well to their proposals. There are existing tracks on the hill which may be of interest to the rider or cyclist. Whilst it is unlikely that riders or cyclists would seek to access many areas off the existing tracks, there may be ecological interest in some areas which could be detrimentally affected by increased access and this may be mitigated by offering linear access. In general, the tracks are of a good stable condition which could support use by riders and cyclists, although some areas may benefit from works to improve drainage. The limited area of land owned by the Authority greatly restricts the potential for suitable through routes or circular routes on publicly owned land and so neighbouring owners would need to be approached to address this. Recommended action As the potential and demand for sustainable access here seems to be significant, it is recommended that parties with a private interest in the land on Haddon Hill are approached with a view to achieving permitted higher access for all of Haddon Hill. If this is not achievable, then seek permitted bridleway access (or definitive bridleway status if possible) for all of the existing significant tracks including a link from the car park to Lady Harriet’s Drive. 3 ITEM E Burridge Woods and Weir Cleeve, Dulverton Current access and use At Burridge Woods, there are no bridleways in the woodland and although there is a restricted byway which cuts across the southern end of the wood (Oldberry Lane), this then continues beyond Burridge Woods as public footpath only. Whilst the Authority owns most of the woodland, the northwestern end is in private ownership. The woodland has good access from Dulverton, although this access is steep for a short section and is predominantly on roads. The woodland is well-used by walkers particularly with dogs, and some of the tracks are quite easily accessible but steep in places. Due to the scale and nature of the site and tracks, conflict between user groups is likely to be minimal. The substantial community of Dulverton lies just outside the woodland, and attracts numerous visitors. At Weir Cleeve, there are no bridleways within the woodland – a restricted byway runs immediately along the eastern boundary of ENPA ownership. The steep public footpath through the woodland is well used by walkers. Potential for increased access In Burridge Woods, the terrain is steep and therefore in practice riders and cyclists would be unlikely to wish to access most of the woodland but rather would follow existing tracks. Access off the tracks for riders and cyclists could lead to degradation of the natural environment and character of the woodland, and consequently reduce public enjoyment. Permitted open access is not appropriate. However, use of tracks may be appropriate where this is unlikely to lead to significant surface degradation and conflict or reduction in enjoyment for other users, and this is considered below. The lower path in Burridge is a public footpath and comprises a track of vehicle width for most of its length with a fairly stable stony surface excepting occasional wetter, muddier patches. For the most part, the width of this path offers potential for passing of different users without significant inconvenience or conflict. The surface is fairly stable for most of the length and so would be likely to sustain increased use of this nature. There are some discreet areas of poorer surface quality where surface improvement could be considered to the benefit of public footpath users as well as any new group of user. The works required would be in line with normal maintenance and improvement practice for a relatively accessible footpath near a significant population, making the path easier to use and helping to prevent further deterioration of the surface in these areas. However, one section of the track narrows and rises to a significant height above the river with a steep drop below. This section is less suitable for multi-use as passing here could be significantly more hazardous with horses and cyclists as well as walkers. Furthermore, the track beyond Earmarsh Pool to the northwest is in private ownership and there is no suitable through route or circular route on land entirely within the ownership of the Authority. However, permitted or definitive bridleway access along the full length of this route would be desirable if the private owners were in agreement. 4 ITEM E The ‘Middle Path’ and the upper track in Burridge Woods are narrow for some or all of their length and allow for quiet enjoyment on foot. The ‘Middle Path’ includes a short section of narrow stone-fronted steps. The upper path crosses the hill fort. Use of the upper track by cyclists and riders would be likely to cause additional erosion and degradation of the hill fort which would be contrary to the purposes of the National Park. The nature of the tracks is such that additional access in this form may lead to degradation
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