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The conservators finally agreed to open the trails and the legal access we fought for is now in place. It has been a long and exhausting process but seeing the outcome makes all the effort worth it. Please keep respecting the land as we move into this new chapter.

April 16, 2017

Ashdown Access

Ashdown Access

🏆 Won — 212 supporters Verified

Final supporters

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Edward P.
M
Mark L.
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Someone
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Someone
M
Martyn E.
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Teddy D.
M
Monty D.
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Arty
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Fin A.
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Someone
+202 more
Started by Anonymous 22 years, 7 months ago
***Ashdown Forest Update*** The conservators of the forest have contacted me and after discussion there might be a way forward on the issue. The by-laws allow cycling in the forest, if permitted by the conservators. Which is a step above the original response of the by-law do not permit it! I have now opened up a dialog with the conservators and there seems to be a distinct warming to this issue! I am going to push for this issue to be voted on, but in the mean time the more petitions I get the better the argument! Thanks I have decided to try and see if trail access for mountain bikers in this area of Sussex can be made legal. My argument is that mountain bike will :- a) Cause no more damage than walkers and far less damage to trials than horse riders b) Bring a huge economic boost to the areas local businesses c) Promote the councils sustainable transport strategy d) Promote a healthy recreational sport e) Help raise the environment profile of the Ashdown Forest d) Promote a sustainable trail building regime to the area by setting up a voluntary group to help re-build eroded trials e) To create a way marked bike trail for families to enjoy.

Updates

October 10, 2004

The conservators finally opened a door for discussion and the tone of our talks has shifted slightly. It is exhausting to keep chasing progress when things feel stuck but these small signs tell me we are right to keep pushing.

Reached 100 supporters

May 19, 2004

14 Comments

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Dave Simms
6 years ago Featured

Hi Anthony, good news. I am glad progress is being made. Any further news or update from the conservators. I would hope they do see reason and common sense. The South Downs is a good example of what can be achieved when MTB, Walkers and Horse Riders mix on the trails. 99% of users respect the Trails and other users. The 1% who don’t are usually strongly advised of Trail etiquette by other Trail users and so the Trails become by and large self-policing. Thanks for all your good work.

H
Howard Womersley Smith
9 years ago Featured

I hope there is a result on this as I live out the front of the forest and look at the MTB opportunity every day

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Sarah Rahman
22 years ago Featured

Any news on the next meeting? Would love to help out with trail building if things get approved.

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Mark Ortiz
22 years ago Featured

RIDICULOUS that we cant ride here. Everyone I know wants this changed.

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Tom Meyer
22 years ago Featured

Used to ride the forest all the time before moving away. Hope you guys get some proper trails in soon.

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Dave Lambert
22 years ago Featured

Been riding here for years and its crazy we have to hide in the woods. Keep up the good work Anthony.

M
Mark Long
1 year ago

Great cause

A
Anonymous
1 year ago

The current bye laws are definitely discriminatory

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