[Closed] North Dorset bridleway clearing changes September 1st. Please do read!

Hi,

Bridleway clearance has traditionally been done by Dorset County Council, but as of 1st September this is going change and will be done by North Dorset District Council. They will cover Blandford Forum upto Gillingham and Shaftesbury

I had a long conversation with the individual responsible for this and it was very positive. He is very keen to establish links with riders who use the bridleways so that they understand the trails and so that we can keep them posted of overgrown trails, which will then be cut :-). The extract below is an email I received from him. It would be great if we could get some positive involvement from other users in the area, as it is in your interest to do so.

Hi Justin

Good to speak to you today. As explained there will be a dedicated member of staff with an apprentice based in North Dorset (ND) from September 1st. His name is Tim Waddington and I am confident that having an officer based in ND permanently will have a positive effect on the amount of work that will be achieved on the network.

I would like to develop links with you and Dorset Rough Riders (and other users) to ensure that we can work more effectively at providing you and your group an excellent service.

As we discussed your involvement could come in a number of ways.

Direct volunteer assistance, maybe with a couple of fellow Rough Riders, clearing BW's with Tim, probably on occasional weekends due to your work commitments during the week. A regular commitment of say, once a month would make it possible for you to receive formal training course on use of powered machinery.
Site visits with Tim to highlight problem areas to inform his work programme
Meeting with Tim to explain issues over an OS map, again to help inform our work programme
Possible Volunteer contributions through your work

Initially I'd like to have a brief meeting with yourself and Tim, maybe Wed 7th September? at a time to suit you, where we can discuss these options and plan the best way forward.

Thanks for your interest and input.

Kind Regards

Giles Nicholson
Senior Ranger
Dorset Countryside

If anyone is interested and would like to be involved, please do get in touch with me and maybe come along to the meeting. If it means donating a bit of time or just so that you get your voiced heard then it is worthwhile. I know that being able to get my sweet trails cut quickly because I know the chap who cuts them is great news!

Thanks