This response is based solely on the VDG. There are numerous, well documented reasons why equestrian access should be included in protecting and improving access including impact on the rural economy, public money should benefit all users, health and wellbeing, local and national planning policies. Should the Parish Council require further details or information, either the BHS would be pleased to answer questions or make a presentation with a view to working with the PC to improve countryside access for all.

Section 5:8 of the guide;
"The rural access and feel of walks and routes that allow access from the village to the countryside, and to natural areas and heritage sites, should be safeguarded and enhanced."

However the Fulbourn VDG does not mention the inclusion of improving links from the village into the local landscape and public rights of way (PROW). It would be nice to maintain and enhance the 'green fingers' which connect the village interior to the landscape.

As well as pedestrians and cyclists, there are many equestrians in Fulbourn, who keep horses at several livery yards in Fulbourn. There is also a local Fulbourn Bridleway Group. The BHS, the local Bridleway and local horse riders should be consulted regarding the improvement of access to prow and how this can be achieved. For instance, upgrading public footpaths to bridle ways would benefit pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians to help link up the fragmented network of bridle ways - a requirement of the Cambs Rights of Way Improvement Plan. Opportunities to create new bridle ways and restricted byways, the most inclusive form of public access should be an aim of the guide.

In the parish of Fulbourn are 15 PROW, of which there are only 2 bridle ways and 2 byways, with the rest being footpaths. The distance covered by all PROWS is over 12.5km, although only 2.4km are bridle ways available to cyclists and horse riders. The BHS have identified 4 paths, which, if upgraded would provide essential links to the other villages and help join the fragmented bridle paths.

The footpaths which could be considered for upgrades are;

95/4 14.12km of footpath, linking with BW8 and BR7, which connects the village to Fulbourn Nature Reserve.
95/6 1.06km of footpath, running from Wilbraham Road towards Little Wilbraham and linking with 95/15 to provide a potential circular route over 5km.
95/11 2.56km of footpath, running from Balsham Road to the Roman Road
95/15 3.76km of footpath, runs from Fulbourn Road, Teversham towards Little Wilbraham along Wilbraham River.

The upgrade of these footpaths to Bridleways would enable better, safer, off road connections to neighbouring villages such as Teversham and The Wilbraham's.