New areas of open access
Did you know that new open access rights come into being
in Kent on 19 September. This does not mean that people have the right to
wander anywhere they like! Infact the total area of new open access covers
only 0.6% of Kent. To see where the new access is in the Stour Valley go
to the Countryside Agency's website www.openaccess.gov.uk
or you can contact their helpline on 0845 100 3298. The new open access
areas are for people on foot only.
PROW problems?
A dedicated helpline for people using Kent's public
rights of way (PROW) has gone live. Callers to 0845 345 0210 can report
problems on PROW or pose questions about the network. The helpline is
available from 8am to 8pm weekdays and from 9am to 2pm Saturdays.
Blean Wood Access work
The KSCP continues to support improvements to the public
rights of way network that runs through the Blean Wood Complex. Early this
year volunteers worked over a number of Thursdays to install waymarker
posts on existing PROW’s in Clowes Wood. In addition to improved access
it is hoped that these ‘rides’ will encourage the return of the Heath
Fritillary to the woods (see Good signs at Clowes Wood). Other work
included replacing or constructing footbridges at Clowes, Thornden and
East Blean Woods. One of the East Blean bridges was constructed using two
giant railway sleepers each five metres long!
