1. So, starting from where BW54 leaves the C102 opposite to the Trottsford FP and going towards Broxhead Common east, the first gate encountered, used to be until recent years, near the Forestry Commission entrance gates. It hung between the solid iron five barred gate shown in the picture and the FC nursery fence. It was treacherous because it did not stay open and when pushed harder to keep it open long enough to get through, used to bounce back off the fence. This caused bruised and/or scraped knees for the rider and a slap on the horses’ backside most times. However, sometimes this would startle the horse and cause serious injury to a rider’s leg when evasive action was taken, squashing it hard on to the gatepost. In recent years it has been removed which maybe because of a claim I made in 2009 to have all gates removed on this north/south alignment. But then it may not because in fact it turned out to be the only gate removed to date while the other three are still waiting investigation!

2. The machinations concerning Broxhead Common have been many and various over the years and can be clearly seen from this point onwards. The large heavy iron gate permits a knee damaging width more suitable for walking than horse riding and as stated above, the rebound from the fence is punishing for everyone.

3. This part of the common used to be open until about 2008 when it appeared a decision had been made to fence and enclose the open woodland opposite the Forestry Commission fence.

4. No consultation would take place either with the commoners or local interest groups. We would just find these things happening and one of the problems with the enclosure was that the paths would inevitably become much narrower due to encroaching vegetation. This then became unlawful as the whole width of a Public Right of Way (PROW) must remain clear and available.

5. The problem is clearly demonstrated in the second of this week’s pictures where the gorse can clearly be seen to have grown on half of the statutory width.

Next week: the gates on Broxhead Common to be continued.

All 'TCHCC' Parts so far