Help! Writing a letter to the National Trust.

[Django Pony]

Hi all,

I need to pick the collective HHO brain!

My yard is a stone's throw away from a National Trust property. Apparently they used to let people ride around their grounds, but someone spoilt things by not sticking to the edges and being rude when questioned about why they were there National Trust then (quite understandably) said that horses weren't welcome anymore That was before I moved to the yard.

I was thinking of writing them a letter asking if it would be possible to set up a scheme where we could pay to be able to ride around their land. I was thinking along the lines of those that have paid getting a permit or hat-band to say that they are authorised to be there. In order to obtain the permit, you would have to sign a form stating you are willing to stick to whatever rules they would like to enforce.

I am unsure of how to word the letter and wanted to ask for suggestions from you knowledgeable lot!

Do any of you know of any similar schemes in existence that I could refer to? The only one I know of is in the Wyre Forest where you pay £15 per year. Does that sound a reasonable amount to suggest?

Thanks guys,
JJ

 

[kins]

Hiya,

Dyrham Park is a National Trust property in Bath which you can buy a permit for - they give you keys to a gate into the deer park which is brilliant for hacking I'm not sure how much it is exactly, but as far as I recall it's around the £100 mark (someone else might be able to correct me though?). Not cheap I'm afraid but it's a scheme you could refer to in your letter.

Hope that helps!

 

[cyberhorse]

I think it would be good to use the founding principal as a basis for your proposal "Forever for Everyone" it is the motto we go by when working for the NT and one that is hammered home to us regularly. When the NT was founded it was to ensure that the general public had access to open spaces and fresh air (look up Octavia Hill).

Generally many of the decisions are made at a local and regional level so as you intended aiming your plea at the specific location is the way to go. I would address their previous concerns and also perhaps agree a route that will not be deviated from that they are happy will not cause any damage. It may also be good if the yard can offer volunteers to get involved in conservation of the grounds, that way you are also offering to help maintain the environment you benefit from.

 

[Django Pony]

Some really good points here! I like the idea of a lockable gate, perhaps with a combination they could change so only those with permission could use it?

Thanks guys, keep 'em coming!

 

[Django Pony]

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