Now we can trot safely on land that used to be closed (From Worcester News)

Now we can trot safely on land that used to be closed

11:16am Monday 18th May 2009 in

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HORSE riders in the West Midlands can now explore previously inaccessible sites – thanks to the National Trust and its tenant farmers.

TROT, the toll roads off-road trust, approached the conservation charity three years ago, during a Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) funded project for expansion and development of its scheme in the south-east and West Midlands.

A formal partnership between the National Trust and TROT was negotiated and now the two charities have opened the first new routes. These are at the Brockhampton Estate and adjoining privately owned the Whitbourne Estate in Herefordshire and the Dudmaston Estate, near Kidderminster.

The official opening of the routes was taking place today, at Dudmaston at 10 am. Next Saturday, May 23, will be the official opening of the Whitbourne route at 10.30am.

Jo Burgon, head of the National Trust’s access and recreation department, welcomed the partnership.

She said: “The National Trust has a long history of providing and extending access opportunities for a range of recreation activities. This scheme, which enables horse riders to enjoy and experience traffic-free riding, is to be applauded and it also adds new routes and makes better connections to the existing bridleway network.We welcome riders who are sensitive to the wildlife and farmland through which they ride.”

Chrissy Bacon, West Midlands regional development officer for TROT, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the National Trust with the common aim of providing horse riders with a safer and more enjoyable environment.

“Riding on the roads today is becoming even more difficult in the face of ever-increasing volumes of traffic. Even some of our country lanes are becoming ‘no go’ areas for horse riders.

“TROT’s exciting scheme, enabling co-operative collaboration between riders and landowners, aims to solve the difficulties by opening up areas of the countryside but leaving the landowner in control of who has access to the land and at what times.”

By opening its gates to TROT, the National Trust is not just offering riders access to a safer environment, but also the rare privilege of unprecedented access to some of the most glorious locations in England.

Riders will be able to fully appreciate the relaxation of riding off-road, enjoying untold hours of pleasure discovering areas of beauty and tranquillity previously unknown to them.

Both routes provide more than 10 miles of off-road riding, crossing over parkland areas and pastureland, along farm tracks and through ancient woodlands.

The longer circular routes are inter-linked with shorter circular rides offering riders a variety of routes of varying lengths. Both routes offer stunning views and riders will be able to enjoy long canter stretches, or to ride quietly while enjoying the diversity of nature and wildlife, which abounds undisturbed in these beautiful locations.

The Brockhampton route and the adjoining privately-owned Whitbourne estate offer riders breathtaking views. The route links onto Bringsty Common, 220 acres of common land designated as a special wildlife site and a haven for birds and butterflies.

Riders from further afield can take advantage of bed and breakfast facilities available for horse and rider at a 16th century farmhouse on the Brockhampton Estate. Groups can also enjoy a self-catering farmhouse holiday with their horses on the Whitbourne estate, both of which give direct access onto the TROT route.

The Dudmaston route has the added attraction of a three-mile stretch running through meadows along the banks of the beautiful and peaceful river Severn.

Riders can also safely link from the TROT route to quiet country lanes across to the Alveley Country Park and over the river Severn on to the Jack Mytton Way, which gives access to more than 100 miles of rural bridleways and quiet lanes.

The rides, as well as other TROT routes – there are now more than 100 across England – are clearly way-marked with rider friendly gates making them accessible to riders of all ages and abilities.

Members of TROT pay a fee according to how many miles of toll routes are open in their ‘hackable’ radius. Once a rider or carriage driver is a member, they can use all farm or forestry routes in the country for no extra fee. Day membership is also available.

Chrissy Bacon said: “We would like to acknowledge and offer our thanks and gratitude to the participating tenant farmers.

Without their kind permission and active support these routes would not have been possible.

“It is our hope to extend our work with the National Trust and other estates across the country, enabling riders to minimise the risks they and their horses face when riding out today, and to help ensure the future of off-road riding.”

For more information about these and other TROT routes call 01622 735599 or e-mail info@tollrides.org.uk or visit tollrides.org.uk. Anyone who wants to attend the Brockhampton and Whitbourne opening should call Sharon Clayton on 07981 175695, pre-booking is essential as numbers will be restricted.