Verderers’ Court hears from Commoners’ Defence Association, New Forest Equestrian Association, Go New Forest, Pedall and others on Forestry England’s Draft Proposed Cycle Network for the New Forest

COMMONERS and environmental groups have pleaded for more time to consider the impact of plans to improve and expand the New Forest network of cycle routes

The scheme, developed by Forestry England in conjunction with the New Forest Cycle Working Group and other local organisations, would see existing walking routes and paths opened up to cyclists, and new paths developed.

It complements a second cycling initiative, the New Forest Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), being drawn up by the county and district councils together with the national park authority and Forestry England. Funded by the government, these plans are currently out to public consultation.

As reported, last month the Forestry England deputy surveyor of the New Forest, Craig Harrison, asked the Verderers’ Court to officially endorse its plans, which would then be rolled out over the next five years.

Under the scheme, the new cycle network would be introduced in phases, starting with routes on gravel tracks that are already used by large forestry vehicles. Others requiring surface improvements would be added in the next stage.

New links would need additional approvals from outside bodies and “significant work” would be needed before they could be added to the network. However, FE said the inclusion of all planned paths would be important to the integrity and usability of the system.

Speaking at the Verderers’ Court, Commoners’ Defence Association chair Andrew Parry Norton said the creation of new tracks would lead to a loss of habitat.

He said: “The amount of questions that need resolving are complex and difficult. The Forest’s unique character and ecology must not be compromised and every decision evaluated thoroughly before being implemented.”

Urging the verderers to delay their decision to allow “proper unpressurised consultation to take place”, Mr Parry Norton added: “To consider this proposal in four weeks is unrealistic; to give a reasoned response requires commoners who live and work in the Forest time to share their views.”

Speaking for the New Forest Equestrian Association, Ailsa Farrand also urged the verderers to defer their decision pending further consultation.

Ms Farrand said: “Riders and walkers often do not mix well with cyclists due to the speed and element of surprise that occurs when a cyclist comes up behind them, often at speed.”

She continued: “It has already reached a stage where there are few places where you could expect to be free of bicycles already, and the proposals will not discourage more riding over open heath to join up with new routes.”

The meeting also heard from Dr Caroline Bertram, a retired university lecture and British Horse Society Instructor, who explained that she was in a wheelchair after an accident involving a cyclist coming up behind her horse on a bridle path and using “some kind of horn”.

Asking for quiet area where riders could stay away from cyclists, she said: “My horse was usually bomb proof and well trained, but both he and I were spooked by this and I was thrown. I had to have three surgeries before I could walk again.”

There were also a large number of presentments urging the verderers to support FE plans. Nic Carass, the business and membership manager at Go New Forest, revealed that in the last 12 months, the tourism group’s cycling page of the website had been visited 65,560 times by 28,142 people.

She said: “Data tells us that people want to cycle safely on traffic free paths, between our towns and villages.”

Stating that most children spent less time outside than prison inmates, she added: “Children have frighteningly little knowledge, interest or investment in how to preserve nature for future generations. This has to change and a decision in support of the proposals can be a step towards a future where children know the land, experience its magic and fight to protect it.”

The benefits of cycling for people with disabilities were also highlighted by local GP and volunteer rider leader at the New Forest charity Pedall, Dr Alastair Ward.

He said: “These cycle paths are not just trails they are lifelines for users with physical disabilities, including wheelchair users and others with learning disabilities.”

The charity promotes inclusive cycling for all and caters for around 4,000 riders a years, said Dr Ward, continuing: “Off road cycle paths offer a sanctuary from traffic, provide a safe and serene environment and a clearly defined route through the beauty of the New Forest.”

Ross Kempson, of Cycle Experience in Brockenhurst, also urged verderers to support the plans, highlighting a number of ‘missing links’ in the New Forest cycle network. He added an “improved network would serve as a catalyst for the next generation of cycling visitors”.