Rodmell to Southease Bridleway

Paths for Communities - Project summary sheet: Rodmell to Southease Bridleway

Project Location: The South Downs Supporting local businesses: 5 Right of Way Created: Bridleway 800 m Volunteer hours contributed: 252 Footpath Cost of project: £79,757 Improved existing rights: n/a Grant rate: 96%

Situated in the South Downs National Village and Southease Bridge and local Park, close to the south coast, the communities have used P4C funding to Ouse Valley runs southwards from the create a bridleway along this part of the town of Lewes to the channel port of route. Newhaven. The long term aim is to The bridleway has been constructed link these two towns with a multi-user on the strip of land running between path following the River Ouse. One of the river bank and a ditch, whilst the the missing sections on this route was original footpath remains on top of the the one mile stretch between Rodmell ditch to avoid conflict with walkers. By opening up access to a network of bridleways from the South Downs Way, the new route is set to increase the number of visitors to the much-visited village green and historic Church at Southease Village. Although it is early days – the route having only opened in April 2014 - other local attractions and businesses likely to benefit include: Youth Hostel (South Downs YHA) which the pub in rodmell village, various opened in April 2013. ‘bed and breakfast’ This project has been establishments, Monks led by the Ouse Valley House (National Trust), “My abiding memory of the day Cycle Network (OVCN), will be the sight of walkers and who’s long term aim the local primary school, cyclists of all ages and abilities, is to complete a safe and a blacksmith. mobility scooters and horse Close to the route is riders all enjoying the bridleway cycle route between Southease Station with together; a truly shared path.” Lewes and Newhaven. Other key partners have rail links to Lewes, Neville Harrison been SUSTRANS and the Newhaven, Brighton and Chair of the Egrets Way Project London. This is likely to South Downs National bring more visitors to Park (SDNP), with active use the extended path support from a range of network – as is the brand new 68 bed organisations including Cycle Seahaven, the Disabled Ramblers, the British Horse Society, and two local Parish Councils.