HORSE riders who are campaigning for the right to ride their horses in Risden Woods on the edge of Harlow Council have taken their campaign to Harlow Council.

Dressed in their riding gear it was clear that they are not going to take neigh for an answer and are determined to jump all the hurdles put in their way regardless of any handicaps.

Campaign leader Ed Wilson asked a number of questions to the ruling Conservative cabinet. Harlow Labour councillor, Tony Durcan also asked a question.

Film of the questions are below.

Edmund Wilson to Councillor Nicky Purse (Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and Environment):

With Harlow Woods now closed to horse riders and other member of the public unable to traverse the newly installed barriers. Can Harlow Council please publish the advice received from Natural England that leave the council in a position where they are unable to lift restrictions? This is in stark contrast to communications received direct from Natural England the very same week.

Where Natural England would welcome discussions with the council regarding horse riding in Harlow Woods and encourage our continued dialog with the council. Sadly, we have been unable to continue any dialogue despite emails and recorded delivery mail.

I would also ask how this stance fits the “Harlow health and wellbeing strategy 2023 to 2028” which contains many opposing statements to the current actions of the council. I believe the publication of these communications would be in the interest of the published code of conduct specifically (Appendix 1) The Nolan Principles and Section 28(1) of the Localism Act 2011. Sections: 2) Integrity, 3) Objectivity, 4) Accountability and 5) Openness.

Reply from Councillor Nicky Purse (Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and Environment):

Firstly, I would like to correct the statement that has been made in the question – Harlow Woods is not “now closed to horse riders” – the woodland has carried a restriction preventing unauthorised motorcycling and horse riding for many years.

You will also be very aware that currently there are no designated bridleways within the woodland area known as Harlow Woods which has been identified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), so there is no permitted formal access for horse riders within the woodland.

Harlow Council has worked very closely with the Forestry Commission and Natural England to agree a management plan for the woodland which is recognised as currently being in unfavourable condition with a recovering status due to the current programme of conservation management in place. This effort will need to be sustained with adequate safeguards to achieve favourable condition status for the SSSI feature, which aligns with national government Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) targets. Conserving the biodiversity value of this nationally designated site should be a key focus for the Council within its environmental sustainability plan

Natural England has clearly stated to the Council that it is unclear how access for horse riding could be achieved by Harlow District Council and is beyond the

scope of the current management plan that has been agreed for the management and recovery of the SSSI.

The Landscapes and Biodiversity Team fully endorse the “Harlow health and wellbeing strategy 2023 to 2028”. However, this cannot be to the detriment of the sustained efforts in achieving favourable condition for Harlow Council’s only SSSI feature.

We are also arranging a further meeting with you and specialists from Natural England to bring resolution to this matter.

========================

Councillor Tony Durcan to Councillor Nicky Purse (Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability):

Over the weekend I have been approached over concerns raised about vandalism of council property at Risden Woods.

An open letter has appeared in your Harlow that could appear to lay the blame over the damage being carried out by someone from the horse riding stable. This is purely based on the evidence of horse droppings. As you can imagine this has caused huge offence.

Could you please provide an update on what actions are being taken to mitigate possible further escalation of this situation, including:

1. a)  What has been the cost of installing these barriers to date;
2. b)  What will be the cost to recover and repair;
3. c)  Providing the risk assessment to show why these type of barriers were justified; and
4. d)  Finally whether you would agree that whilst these barriers may stop young people enjoying horse riding it also may be a breach of the equality act by preventing others from enjoying and accessing these woods.

Reply from Councillor Nicky Purse (Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability):

Thank you for your question regarding the repeated damage being caused at Risden Woods.

In respond to the four parts of our question:

a) £0. The restrictions were installed using materials already to hand and using volunteers to install them and supervised by a Council Officer.

b) £0.

c) Unauthorised horse riding and motorcycle riding in the woods has been prohibited for a significant number of years as notified on signage at 2 of the entrances to the woods. The barriers were installed because of unauthorised use of the woods continued in spite of the restrictions which have been in place for many years as advertised by the signage.

d) The Equality Act requires Councils to make reasonable adjustments to be able to offer access to their facilities to all. What is classed as a reasonable adjustment relies on a number of factors which include, amongst other things, how practicable the changes are, how much money and resources are available and the cost of making the changes. Due to the SSSI status of Hospital & Risden Woods, it is not possible to alter the terrain and surfacing to enable accessibility, due to the steep gradients and uneven surfaces. Constraints associated with SSSI sites limit the balancing of access with the conservation of our natural heritage.

Parndon Wood Nature Reserve which is adjacent to the Hospital and Risden Woods SSSI offers accessibility for all users with access to several key features which include a bird hide, conservation centre, outdoor seating area, café, toilets and along some areas of permissive footpath. There is also an accessible car park located near to the entrance.