Access for All Funding has Enhanced Public Access across the North Wessex Downs.

The Access for All programme in the North Wessex Downs, funded by DEFRA, has successfully supported twelve projects this year with total funding of £225,000. The projects, which have enhanced public access across the National Landscape (NL), were carefully assessed by a local panel of residents with a range of expertise.  Assessment was based on outcomes, legacy, value for money and the applicants’ ability to deliver. The projects are located across the nine local authority areas that comprise the North Wessex Downs NL.

Projects include:

Bucklebury Common: The Bucklebury Estate received a grant to enhance two car parks making them safer and more accessible. Previously these car parks were overgrown and enclosed, making them hard to find; they were full of potholes and the location for repeated fly-tipping. Furthermore, six new information boards were installed explaining the rich habitat on the Common and mapping out different circular walking routes. These, coupled with 15 new way-markers, have made the Common significantly more user-friendly. In addition to this, a 750m accessible trail which is wheelchair-friendly is providing a safe circular route away from the busy road for visitors and a safe route to the bus stop for school children.

East Woodhay Boardwalk: Hampshire County Council restored a 550m boardwalk through beautiful wet woodland, with the help of a team of extremely dedicated volunteers. The new anti-slip wooden boards are mounted on plastic posts, ensuring longevity and safety for users. The previous boardwalk, much-loved and used by the local community, had rotted away and had become unsafe. The project was match-funded by East Woodhay Parish Council and Hampshire County Council and it’s hoped the footpath will be re-opened in a few weeks’ time.

Eastbrook Farm: Helen Browning received funding from the grant to install a variety of public amenities. The Ridgeway National Trail is popular with walkers, horse riders and cyclists, however there are very few facilities available for the public to use. Three public toilets, including one accessible toilet, located on the Ridgeway, will be available for all. As well as this, three information boards have been installed providing information on routes, the wildlife-rich historic environment and explaining how the farm is supporting nature and becoming more climate resilient. Waymarkers have also been installed to mark the routes to and from the Ridgeway to Bishopstone, highlighting 12 miles of different Rights of Way. Further facilities include a drinking water tap, horse hitching post, bicycle stands and bins for recycling, waste and dog poo.  The combination of all the funded facilities make the Ridgeway more accessible and user friendly, specifically from the village of Bishopstone via Icknield Way and Nell Lane, creating a hub for leisure users to focus their activities in this corner of the North Wessex Downs NL.

Key Achievements:

• Creation of over 1,700m of accessible paths and 670m of new permissive paths.
• Installation of 47 new access gates, replacing stiles for improved accessibility.
• Construction of four new public toilets next to new or existing walks, three of which are accessible.
• Facilitation of over 23 volunteer days, engaging a wide and diverse audience.
• Installation of 33 new information boards, including nine along the Ridgeway.
• Addition of water drinking facilities for both people and pets.

These projects have significantly improved public access and amenities across the North Wessex Downs, making it easier for people to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the area.