Woodland ride under threat from closure

Riders say about two to three miles of popular bridlepath through Hodgemoor Wood, between Chalfont St Giles and Seer Green, have become "boggy" and "impassable".

But woodland manager Forest Enterprise has said it cannot afford to maintain the trails and suggested it may have to close some of them.

Susie and Marcus Bicknell, of the Hodgemoor Riding Association, say the enjoyment of hundreds of local riders is under threat.

Mrs Bicknell, 51, of Threehouseholds, Chalfont St Giles, explained: "Hodgemoor Woods is one of the very few areas we can safely ride off-road.

"Foot and mouth has brought it home how much we need areas to ride off the road because we've had to stick only to the roads."

Mr and Mrs Bicknell want riders who use the woods to attend a special fundraising meeting next week with the aim of resurfacing the Hodgemoor Wood trails in partnership with Forest Enterprise.

Mrs Bicknell said: "It would greatly benefit not only horse riders but also walkers if the trails could be improved."

Hodgemoor Wood is owned by Buckinghamshire County Council and is classed as an area of Special Scientific Interest.

The woodland is popular with both horse riders and walkers but its paths and riding trails have become badly damaged due to bad weather and continual use.

Emma Munday, South East Recreation Manager for Forest Enterprise, confirmed Forest Enterprise does not have the funds to make the necessary improvements on its own and was considering closure of the path.

She explained that Forest Enterprise had suffered from the fall in price of timber and added: "We have to confess the riding facilities in Hodgemoor Wood are diabolical and we are not proud of the situation.

"It is a difficult site for us to manage but things will get better."

The meeting to save the bridlepath takes place on Thursday, at 8pm, at the Reading Room, High Street, Chalfont St Giles. For more information call Mrs Bicknell on (01494) 872447