Park Wood Path Consultation

Closed 27 Jan 2022

Opened 2 Dec 2021

Contact

03708 506506

park.wood@environment-agency.gov.uk

Feedback updated 30 Mar 2022

We asked

As part of the ongoing work to improve Park Wood, the Environment Agency will be installing new way markers on the footpaths within the wood.

We asked your views on whether the proposed path routes were suitable for regular users of the woodland.

You said

We received 76 responses in total. Of these responses, 72 were from individuals, 3 were from an organisation or group and 1 was from other. The responses we received have been summarised in the consultation response document.

 

We did

We have reviewed all the responses we received from the consultation. We will:

  • amend the route map to include suggested changes received during the consultation.
  • put way markers up on the footpaths in the wood to ensure routes are clearly signposted, by July 2022. Only way-marked paths will be given a Public Safety Risk Assessment and appropriate actions taken when needed.  For example, removing dangerous branches/brush.
  • investigate whether additional bridges would result in additional liability and, if so, whether this is something we would wish to take on. Subject to the outcome of our investigations, if the local community would be interested in raising funds for a bridge, we would be open to exploring this option.
  • continue to explore further options for horse access within the wood.
  • continue to explore a solution to the flooding problems in the wood together with our partners. And will carry out remedial work in April 2022 to try and address this issue.
  • assess whether further improvements to the all-access track are needed.

Individuals who wish to follow up their responses, or points made within this document in more detail, are welcome to contact us at park.wood@environment-agency.gov.uk

Results updated 29 Mar 2022

Files:

Overview

 

Park Wood is one of the largest areas of unfragmented woodland in the Hailsham area in East Sussex.

The Environment Agency's vision is to restore the woodland and to conserve and enhance its biodiversity through a sustainable woodland management approach that works with natural processes.

Community access will be improved and maintained with the aim of enhancing recreational opportunities for local people.

More information can be found on our information page.

As part of the ongoing work to improve Park Wood, the Environment Agency will be installing new way markers on the footpaths within the wood.

We are aware that the existing path network takes walkers and horseriders to bridges over the Hurst Haven which are no longer there. At the moment, we are unable to provide new bridges so instead propose a new path network. Only way-marked paths will be given a Public Safety Risk Assessment and appropriate actions taken when needed - removing dangerous branches/brush etc.

The Environment Agency would like your views on whether our proposed paths are suitable for you as regular users of the woodland.

Current path network

Your browser does not support inline PDF viewing. Please download the PDF.

Proposed path network 

The link to the online survey can be found at the bottom of this page.

 

More Information

At the moment, we do not have funding for any additional bridges. We are also investigating the additional liability risks which come with the addition of new bridges within the woodland.

More Information

Unfortunately, the bridge which was suitable for horses was deemed unsafe a number of years ago and needed to be removed. We have consulted with the British Horse Society and understand the need for a looped path for horses, which is why we are proposing the new route in green.

More Information

We ask all users of the wood to stick to waymarked paths. These are the only paths that are assessed and maintained for Public Safety. Sticking to the marked paths also allows for ground-nesting birds and other wildlife within the woodland to remain undisturbed.

More Information

The routes have been walked by Environment Agency staff and have been chosen as they are currently accessible, take different routes through different areas of woodland and do not take woodland users to bridges which are no longer there.

More Information

As you can see from the two maps (available to view on the online survey), the total length of route is still the same, but the new routes avoid taking woodland users to bridges which no longer exist.

More Information

Unfortunately, the paths are not easily accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs, due to the nature of the pathways as they can be quite muddy. We intend to carry out path maintenance and explore the possibility of increasing access for all within the wood.

Why your views matter

We want your views on whether our proposed paths are suitable for you as regular users of the woodland.

We encourage you to submit your response to the consultation online, which will enable you to manage your comments more effectively. It will also help us  to gather and summarise responses quickly, accurately and cost effectively.

If you respond online and provide an email address, your response will be automatically acknowledged and you will receive a receipt.  

If you prefer, you can download the response form and once completed send it to park.wood@environment-agency.gov.uk before 11:45 pm on 27 January 2022.

Or you can submit your response by post to the address below sending it on or before 27 January 2022.

Park Wood Consultation

Environment Agency, Pevensey Office, Coast Road, Pevensey, BN24 6ND

 

 

 

Audiences

  • Anyone from any background

Interests

  • Habitats and wildlife