Access All Areas
BHS calls for support to expand the Governments ‘Access All Areas’ Plan.
The British Horse Society is urging all equestrians to contact their local MP asking for their support in expanding the ‘Access All Areas’ Plan to allow access to the coast for all non-motorised users.
The plan for the English coast, which was set out on 19 June 2007 by Environment Secretary David Milliband, currently only includes walkers.
Mr Milliband said: “We are an island nation. The coast is our birthright and everyone should be able to enjoy it. I want families to have safe and secure access to walk, climb, rock scramble, paddle and play all along our coastline.
“The coast is also vitally important for nature conservation and wildlife and for tourism, so our vision for greater freedom and rights for people will take into account the need to safeguard habitats and heritage sites.
“Improving public access will enrich people’s enjoyment and understanding of the varied seaside landscapes and environments around the country.”
Ministers favour a strip allowing access on foot along the full length of the coast, as well as access to headland, coves and beaches so that a continuous route will always be available as close to the coast as possible.
Mark Weston, BHS Director of Access, Safety and Welfare, said: “It is extremely disappointing that Natural England’s recommendations only relate to providing access on foot, despite the Equestrian Access Forum, the Ramblers, the Cyclists Touring Club, the Central Council of Physical Recreation, the British Canoe Union and the British Mountaineering Council having written to Natural England and the Minister for the Horse Industry Barry Gardiner MP, urging the Government to take this opportunity to provide access to a coastal corridor for all non-motorised users.
“The Government is anticipating spending £50 million implementing these access plans and it is ridiculous that an investment of this amount will only provide access for walkers when it could easily provide access for equestrians and cyclists at the same time, representing much better value of tax payers money.
“I would urge all equestrians to respond to this consultation document and to contact their MP and ask them to support plans for allowing access to the coast for all non-motorised users.”
