Badger Set preventing Access

[lizijj]

Hi, I would be interested in any similar experiences or knowledge??
I am working with our local BHS Access officer to re-open all known riding routes in the area. One of the routes is still classed by the council as a public highway, but has not been used by cars for a long time. It is also classed as a public footpath on the OS map. Before we lose the right to ride along it, we took a look today. There is a 6 metre section that would be un-ridable by horses due to large badger sets. Any past experience of this?

Thanks

 

[be positive]

I think our local bridleway group had a similar issue some time ago, the path is open, I think they covered the setts somehow, not filled, and put topsoil over. Try contacting Mendip Bridleways they should remember what was done.

 

[lizijj]

Thank you for this!

 

[Rose Folly]

The Public Rights of Way Department (PROW) of your local council should be able to help you. It's quite a common occurrence, and it can be managed / circumnavigated!

Some years ago we had a problem with a sett on a byway near here which had just been reopened after years of being unrideable. I had undertaken to run a sponsored ride to raise funds for the local church. The route past the setts was vital to the viability of the ride, and I remember the huge relief of the Enforcement Officer knocking on my door at 9pm the night before the ride to say that all had been sorted.

It's vital that you involve the Council - the BHS Officer won't have any powers but the Council will. Hope you get it sorted.