The Brett Environmental Trust, Bucks County Council, Chiltern District Council, the Groundwork Trust and Forest Enterprise unite to celebrate their support for the Hodgemoor Riding Association in their work designed to improve the experience for all users of Hodgemoor Woods. The event on 8th July bring all of the celebrated Wood's partners together to see first hand the new riding trails completed by the Hodgemoor Riding Association over the last year at a cost of over £45,000. The works prevent horses' hooves from creating extensive areas of boggy mud which used to encroach on walkers' paths.

Susie Bicknell, of the Hodgemoor Riding Association, said "We are so delighted with the support we have had from all our partners. Finance is one thing, for which we are grateful, but the support we have had is for the idea that the woods are an amenity for the community to be shared and cherished by all users. Since the works many walkers and ramblers have complimented us on the works which encourage riders to stay on the prepared paths and which leave the rest of the woods such a  pleasure to walk in."

Emma Munday, Recreation Manager for Forest Enterprise South East said " Forest Enterprise is delighted with these improvements which have aimed to conserve this precious and historic wood while at the same time improving access to the local community."

Before and after stock photos are available. There will be a photo opportunity with senior representatives of Hodgemoor Wood's partners on 8th July at 11h30.
 

Note to editors

In late 1999, Forest Enterprise (who manage for the Forestry Commission this 253 acre "Site of Special Scientific Interest" between Seer Green, Chalfont St. Giles and Amersham) threatened to close it to riders because of the damage they caused, making trails virtually impassable to walkers. There are at least 400 horses kept within easy hacking distance of these woods, so safe, off-road riding is crucial to local riders. Equestrian activities are of course a growth industry in South Bucks as farmers turn their hand to livery yards, stable construction, fencing and pasture maintenance.

The Hodgemoor Riding Association harnessed the energies of about 100 active members at the time to obtain a grant of £40,000 from the Brett Environmental Trust and further grants from Bucks County Council and the Chiltern District Council. In cooperation with Forest Enterprise, the association conceived and funded the construction of a two-metre-wide hard base to about 2 kilometres of what had been the muddiest trails in the wood. The long lasting base is constructed out of locally sources pH-neutral hoggin under guidelines established with English Nature (obligatorily as Hodgemoor is a Site of Special Scientific Interest).

Much of the brush clearing was undertaken by volunteer working parties of members of the Association. Audrey Holbrook, who runs Aescwood Farm Riding School in Rawlings Lane, organised a sponsored ride in 2002 to raise money for the Association. The children who come to her riding school raised nearly £2000 on rides sponsored by friends and families under the banner of: “Preserve the Woods, and get riders off the roads!” The Hodgemoor Riding Association's elected officials are Susie Bicknell (Secretary), Robin Richard (Treasurer), Marcus Bicknell (Chairman), Audrey and Terry Holbrook, Heather Black and Judith Broadley.

All members of the Hodgemoor Riding Association help fund the works by payment of their modest annual membership fees. Membership is not obligatory for the right to ride in the wood but members are encouraged to wear their Hodgemoor Riding Association / Forest Enterprise membership badge on their saddle to demonstrate their pride in the work undertaken and to encourage others to join.

Not only horse-riders but also walkers and cyclists (on bridle paths where permitted) can do circuits in the wood without sinking knee deep in mud.
 
 
 

For further information please contact

• Hodgemoor Riding Association   Susie Bicknell   01494 872447
•  Forest Enterprise    Emma Munday   01296 625825
•  Bucks County Council   Jonathan Clark   01296 382 413