Helen Sibley, the Countryside Ranger for Thornham Walks has asked me to post a message to say that the permissive path along the wet meadows from Water Houses to Wickham Skeith is closed to all walkers until further notice.
I am sad! The "Jewel in the Crown" of Thornham walks is closed. The peace and tranquility, the flora and fauna, the wildlife, can no longer be enjoyed whilst strolling these unique beautiful wetlands.
I presume this is closed due to the Cows. Cows, like people, want to protect their young, and simply providing a wide berth, ensures no problems exist, especially when walking with dogs!. They are after all, not hunting us! It is understood that this is a concessionary path, but there are many walks where cows graze on public rights of way.
I hope the route will reopen shortly, as it is already greatly missed.
Is it possible to sign a liability waiver so that we can continue to walk this beautiful area perhaps with a permit, if need be?.
Will the walks reopen later in the year?.
SSchwarz
|2009-05-31 14:57:12
Interesting piece on the Wickham Skeith village website:
www.onesuffolk.co.uk/WickhamSkeithPC
and click on 'farm and country'.
AWarburton
|2009-06-15 19:00:36
An unfortunate by-product of the closure of the Water Meadows is the loss of the shorter circuit from Water Lane, via the ford and Birdhedge Row,through the two kissing gates and back over the (fine new) bridge to Water Lane. This is a walk enjoyed not only by local people but also by visitors to the Four Horseshoes. It has been improved by Thornham Walks in recent months at considerable expense. Understandably, their budget does not allow for the addition of a gate to screen the path between the two kissing gates from access to the Water Meadows.To lose this path, which only skirts the Water Meadows, would waste the good work done on it and further impoverish the Walks.
Can this problem be solved by allowing walkers to continue using the path, perhaps with a movable, less expensive barrier to the Water Meadows at the one vulnerable point?
