Public Bridleway repairs on the South Downs Way, Elsted, West Sussex

Descriptions

The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) manages the South Downs Way National Trail. As part of its management responsibilities the SDNPA carries out annual maintenance to the trail, focussing on priority access repair and improvement projects. This stretch of the South Downs Way is a public bridleway that runs between Beacon Hill and Pen Hill, near Elsted in West Sussex. The track has been badly eroded by farm vehicles and water run-off. The poor condition of the track is causing the public to walk alternative lines across the open hillside, which itself is starting to create erosion lines. The area is a sensitive Scheduled Ancient Monument and Site of Special Scientific Interest for its wildlife value. The work is primarily to encourage the public to use the line of the public rights of way and thus protect the sensitive hillside from further damage. Timing: This project has to be undertaken when ground conditions are firm and when agricultural operations permit. This work must therefore be scheduled between 1st September and 31st October 2021.