9:00am Friday 19th June 2009
By Liz Watkins
A FARM near Bromyard has opened up part of its land to create a new bridleway.
It covers 10km and is open, free of charge to horse riders, walkers and bikers.
The new route is at Newbury Farm, Bredenbury, home of the Leighton family’s 196-hectare organic farm.
It establishes important links between existing bridleways and provides longer routes across the county from Docklow to Bredenbury or Pencombe, allowing safe off-road riding on a variety of lengths.
Farmer Jeremy Leighton cut the ribbon to open the permissive bridleway and said they encouraged members of the public to walk, cycle or walk round the farm.
A p e r m i s s i v e b r i d l e w a y i s o n e i n which the owner opens up land for the public but can withdraw permission w h e n t h e c o n t r a c t w i t h N a t u r a l England ends.
The bridleway is part of the Leighton’s H i g h e r L e v e l S t e w a r d s h i p ( H L S ) scheme with Natural England. Natural England delivers the government’s programme of financial incentives to farmers for the protection and enhancement of the natural environment.
Charlotte Morgan, Natural England access adviser for Herefordshire, said it had been an interesting scheme at Newbury Farm, encompassing many aspects of conservation within a commercial organic exercise.
There is a large car park at the farm and for more information call Jeremy Leighton on 07929 987693.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.herefordtimes.com/trade_directory/