The next walk will be on Sunday (2nd March) and will be led by Steve. It starts at 10:00 am, from the Post Office in South Heighton, Denton, which is near Newhaven (Explorer 123, GR 452 027). Parking is on the street.

Steve is anxious for a good turn out, so don’t leave him to walk alone (or with Tina).

Joking aside, I hope to be there, so see you all then!

Unfortunately, I was unable to make the walk today. However, I would welcome any reports or comments from those who did.

The Ramblers Association and local people are having to return to the
fight over the horse arena that has been built across the path that
leads to Pooh Sticks Bridge near Hartfield.

Owner of the land Mr Van Praagh had flouted planning rules and rights of
way law by building an unauthorised sand school across the path on his
land. Now he has asked the council to give him retrospective permission
for what he has done. The council will decide whether or not to do this
on 26th February.

Local resident and Ramblers Association area footpath secretary says,
“This man is trying to ride roughshod over the rules that the rest of us
follow. He should be stopped from horsing around with the law.”

Local resident Clair Park comments, “This is a highly inappropriate
development in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There
is a huge visual impact – the school can be seen from right across the
valley.the present situation of the footpath across the sand school leads
to a possible conflict between horse and walkers with their dogs which
is very unsatisfactory and acts as a deterrent to walkers.”

Local residents can object by writing to Wealden Council at Pine Grove,
Crowborough, TN6 1DH before 26 February, quoting reference
WD/2007/2729/FR.

For further information contact:

Malcolm McDonnell, Ramblers Association, on 01892 770606
or Clair Park of Hartfield Parish Council on 01892 770326

Chris Smith, Press officer, Ramblers Association Sussex Area
email chris.smith@hbhelp.co.uk
web www.hbhelp.co.uk
phone 01273 47 40 70
fax 01273 48 69 66
post PO box 2660 Lewes BN7 2RW

The next walk will be on Sunday (17th February) and will be led by Richard. It starts at 10:00 am, from Robertsbridge railway station car park (Explorer 124, GR 734 235).

The Rambler’s Association is among those objecting to the proposed housing development of over 400 homes on the former Syngenta site one mile south of Fernhurst village, which is in West Sussex, south of Haslemere.

Richard Evans, the Ramblers’ Association Footpaths Secretary for Fernhurst parish, said, “This scheme is far too big for an isolated site away from village centre, and will have an unacceptable visual impact on this part of the Sussex Downs Area of Natural Beauty, which we are fighting hard to be included in the proposed South Downs National Park”.

The RA also believes that the development’s location will reinforce car dependability and is ill placed to encourage walking as an alternative means of access to employment and services. The Ramblers’ Association objection joins those of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, Sussex Wildlife Trust, South Downs Joint Committee and others. The application is due to be considered by Chichester District Council’s Northern Area Planning Committee on 13
February.

For further information contact:

Richard Evans, RA FP Sec Fernhurst Parish, on 01428 643624

Chris Smith, Ramblers Association Sussex Area press officer
email chris.smith@hbhelp.co.uk
web www.hbhelp.co.uk
phone 01273 47 40 70
fax 01273 48 69 66
post PO box 2660 Lewes BN7 2RW

Tina led a very enjoyable walk down Udimore Valley today, with lunch at the King’s Head. It was cold and very windy in places; fortunately most of us had hats, except for Simon, who is hardy enough not to need such things.

The power of the wind was graphically illustrated by the sight of a swan struggling to take off, shortly after lunch. It did eventually get going, but was buffeted backwards and forwards alarmingly, before managing to do so.

Any personal comments on the walk would be welcome.