1) New introductions:
a) Tracey Martin from Lambourn.


2) Points from 12th Feb meeting
a) Track numbers: the official number for each track is probably needed for the submission to West Berks Council (WBC). To be done. Action: Jane
b) BHS: Those present had agreed that the report to WBC should be submitted under the BHS name subject to compatibility of the group's views with those of the BHS with respect to mechanically propelled vehicles on ROWs. Janice reported that the views of the BHS on this issue were now more compatible with those expressed by the group.
c) List of Represented parishes & riders: Janice had sent out, to those present at the last meeting, the current list of parishes with riding representatives & a list of representatives.


3) Publicity
a) Flyer (Ted & Candy): a flyer had been produced & circulated to the email contact list. Individuals to use it as & where they think fit.
b) Through BHS: Janice had contacted the BHS Southern region Development officer, Julie Garbutt who had sent out an email to Berkshire BHS members (but none of those present remembered seeing it except Janice). A brief note had been published in the spring issue of British Horse. This had let to the recruitment of 2 new members to the group - Tracey Martin (Lambourn) & Helen Taylor (West Woodhay), both with hacking as their main riding activity.


4) Location of existing promoted routes in West Berks
OS maps with the existing promoted riding routes were on display. Justification for improvements to the network can sometimes be made by making links into these promoted routes:
· Ilsley Downs riding route;
· Downland villages riding route;
· Three Downs link (linking Wayfarers Way to Ridgeway, through Snelsmore Common)
· Compton/Ilsley routes;
· All the routes in the Ridgeway Downs on Horseback book.

5) Problems & Ideas for improved riding routes
Tracey Martin (Lambourn area)
a) A number of riding routes were put forward for development
b) B4000: Bridleways/byways lead onto this road. The volume & speed of current day traffic on the B4000 is affecting the use of these bridleways. Alternatives to riding on this road are required. The Ridgeway Downs on Horseback book describes several rides which use this road. Is this acceptable with today's traffic?
c) Bridge crossings the M4. there are few crossings of the M4. There was discussion about the status of the Inholmes M4 bridge - byway/bridleway (on Explorer map) or footpath (parapet height low - but all parapets even on M4 byway bridges built in the 1970's were low). A photograph of a rider crossing a bridge with low parapets would be useful. Note: parapet height of the new A34/M4 bridleway bridges had been discussed with the Highways Authority recently. The BHS is pursuing this with the HA.
d) Mounting blocks: A recommendation should be made in our submission to WBC that mounting blocks be provided at both ends of bridges for those who prefer to lead their horses across bridges with low parapets. This should not be an excuse for not raising bridge parapets.

Jane Ashbridge (Compton area)
e) Thought could be given about making use of the old Newbury-Didcot railway line which runs through Compton. There was a current local planning proposal to which this might be linked. Note: parts of the line has been sold off in slices. However, some sections, such as the Hermitage to Hampstead Norreys section is undeveloped and owned by one owner (Eling Estates). It has been/is rideable & is believed to be part of the riding routes provided by Eling Estates as part of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. However, it might be overgrown at present.
f) The Institute for Animal Health, Compton, has raised an idea of a new public footpath between Compton & East Ilsley parallel to the existing road along the route of the River Pang. WBC is lukewarm. Perhaps this could be a bridleway (horse-riders & cylists)? It would provide an off-road link for shorter rides off the Ridgeway - see 6a.
g) Jane expressed disappointment that, after all the effort she had put in, the permissive track established on Institute land was not being well used, even though it was close to a livery yard. The reason for this was not apparent.


Briony Grose (West/East Ilsley, Chaddleworth)
h) A horse margin is required to link bridleways which come down off the Ridgeway to the West to East Ilsley road. This would provide short rides (see 6a) from the Ridgeway. This looks to be feasible on the ground. A group visit to this site is proposed on horseback on 9th May (see 6c).
i) Grid ref: 400798 bridleway terminating on the A338 south of South Fawley. This bridleway is little used because it terminates on the A338. A horse margin is required going north to link to the bridleway at the Monument and the South Fawley area. What would the demand be?
j) Discussion on use, by recreational riders, of racehorse tracks alongside roads in the area, with permission.
k) A bridleway to byway application at Catmore was discussed.


Gill Hall (Cold ash)
l) Continuing to explore the upgrade of an existing footpath to bridleway status so that the Cold Ash chicanes can be avoided.

Janice Bridger (Chieveley/Hermitage)
m) Development of the 10 -12 mile Chieveley Community Circuit was continuing, trying to get an off-road alternative to riding on the increasingly busy Priors Court Rd. This will link the Hermitage/Curridge area into currently promoted riding routes. Ideally, a shorter route should be identified as well. There appeared to be 2 bridge crossings of the new A34 neither of which were of bridleway status - not good use of public money. However, use of either would require riding on sections of the old A34.
n) A bridleway link between Chalky Lane & Marsh Lane in Curridge at the back of the service station would provide a ~ 5 mile ride & reduce some of the horse impact on the existing Curridge bridleways which is heavy due to the use by the riding school.
o) Something needs to be done about the bridleway alongside the south side of the M4 which terminates on Priors Court Rd.


Amanda & Ted May
p) It was noted that there was not a direct off-road link between Hampstead Norreys & Compton. Much of the railway line has been sold off in small plots/assimilated into farmland


6) Other issues
a) The need for short, circular (~5 mile) off-road rides was discussed. Many riders to not go farther than this on a regular basis. 30% of the equine population is said to be over 16 years of age & thus may not be aiming at long rides.
b) Riders should get involved with village appraisals/plans to ensure riders' needs were represented. Recreation & tourism were currently popular issues and equestrianism fits into these - see www.defra.gov.uk/rural/horses.
c) The idea of visiting some of the sites identified for improvement was put forward & enthusiastically taken up. The first meeting to be at Bury Down car park on the Ridgeway on Sun 9th May ready to ride at 2pm to look at the West-East Ilsley proposal and the problems at Oakes Bros, East Ilsley. Action: Briony & Ted
d) The M4/A34 Junction 13 works were due for completion on 23 September 2004. Ideas required for an opening of the A34 bridleway bridge, in combination with West Berks Ramblers.
e) Information from Bucks BHS Access web site on consultation with parish Councils on the ROWIP was distributed.