I have been asked by Brian Bailey, Sussex Area Ramblers Access Officer, to pass on the following message to the members of this group:
The South Downs Society has a set of ‘joined up’ walks across access land which have been in existence since before the inauguration of the South Downs National Park. There are 6 walks and details of them can be found at http://www.southdownssociety.org.uk/access-map.html.
South Downs Society wants to publish them with the endorsement of the National Park Authority but there are a number issues such as unresolved disputed access land which need resolution.
As a start to the resolution SDS, NPA and Ramblers have met recently and have discussed the way ahead for these maps. This brought up the issue of all access land within the National Park.
Are you passionate about those areas of the Downs where the public have the freedom to roam, those areas of downland and heath which are often off-the-beaten track, brimming with wildlife and with great views? Many of the sites are difficult for the public to enjoy because there’s no gate or stile linking the site to the road or footpath that runs alongside. The National Park Authority has asked us for a list of places where we think a gate or stile is needed. Can you help? If so, please contact:
Brian Bailey
Access Officer
Sussex Area Ramblers
brian.ramblers@ntlworld.com