Campaigns
Thanks to our committee members and especially our historical advisor, Bill Riley, who works behind the scenes to produce evidence that ensures many of the paths in Wiltshire are recorded correctly on the Definitive Map and Statement
You can search the Wiltshire Council searching the register of definitive map modification orders here
https://apps.wiltshire.gov.uk/RightsOfWay/Map
2026 Bridleway Renovation Donation
Following our committee's persistent reporting, meetings, and engagement with multiple stakeholders, Wiltshire Council has invested in the renovation of Bridleway Ogbourne St George BR3 with a donation of £1,500 from WBA towards the total cost of £4,320.
Rosie Pack recently undertook a site visit and reports on what she found below.
Clearance OGSGB3 Bridleway
I walked this route on February 12th, and the path at the Southern end has recently had extensive clearance work. The path is in good order as it continues to a bridleway gate, which works very well. Further uphill, there is another good bridleway gate where the path crosses a hard-surface farm track which goes east to Lower Herdswick Farm.
Bridleway Gate - Good! Sign - Incorrect!
The photo above shows incorrect private signage. There also needs to be a correct sign on the far side of the track where it continues into the field.
Gypsy Lane Byway
The track continues to rise and meets the Byway OGSTG1, known as Gypsy Lane. On this junction, there is only a sign to the left saying Sarsen Trail. I continued straight ahead as the map suggested, although there was no sign on the open field gate. It became clear quite soon that the path should be further to my left, partially within a copse. I turned up through the copse and very quickly reached a track with signs of recent use by walkers, cyclists and light use by horses. I then walked back and discovered that there were signs for the Millennium Trail Bridleway.
Millenium Trail Bridleway
A Swindon Council bridleway continues around the shooting school on a permissive route, and once past there, we turned left uphill on the metalled road leading to the Barbury Castle carpark. I could see no sign of OGSTG1 at that end either, but did see a footpath sign at the approximate place that it may have been. See the W.C. ROW map below.
To sum up, there is, in effect, a very user-friendly bridleway available (better during the shooting club's closed hours), but it has been diverted and needs improved signage.
The committee will continue to pursue Wiltshire Council to implement the continued upgrades and required signage.
Like Minded Associates
BHS
Equestrian Access Group
Wiltshire Bridleways Association are a British Horse Society (BHS) affiliated Equestrian Access Group. These groups work across the UK to defend, extend and promote safe, easily accessible off-road riding for everyone. These BHS affiliates help to uphold the BHS values and promote equestrian access at a grass-roots level, monitoring local equestrian rights of way and working alongside local authorities and other groups.
Wiltshire Horsewatch
Wiltshire Horsewatch is a scheme which exists to connect all horse owners and riders with the intention of improving our security and communication. We aim to reduce rural and equine crime and much can be achieved through general awareness and a little effort from each individual. We are part of the National Horsewatch Alliance supported by most Police Forces.
The Wiltshire area is covered by a number of local groups, each run by a co-ordinator who acts as your first point of contact.
To become a member of Horsewatch either complete one of our application forms or e-mail your name and address to Generalwatch@wiltshire.police.uk
Green Lanes Environmental Action Movement
GLEAM
Patron 2001 - 2021
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT
The pressure group, founded in 1995, which campaigns for changes in the law to stop thoughtless off-road drivers damaging or destroying green lanes, and the rights of walkers, riders, pedal cyclists, carriage drivers and the disabled to use them without danger, difficulty and inconvenience.