FBA? What's that?
REGULAR USERS OF THE NUMEROUS BYWAYS which wind around the village of Reach
will have noticed that the hedges with their tenacious thorny tentacles have
had a haircut! Not only have the straggly ends been trimmed, - a few places
have received a "short back and sides"! Walkers, cyclists, horse
riders and (of course) carriage drivers can now venture safely around these
pretty lanes, side by side, without the risk of laceration, or loss of
eyesight!
The job was undertaken by a group of equestrian enthusiasts known as the FENLAND BRIDLEWAYS ASSOCIATION (FBA), many of whom live locally, and make regular use of the safe circular route, away from main roads and traffic.
The FBA was formed in 1997 and covers the areas around Bottisham, Burwell, Lode, Reach, Upware, Wicken and The Swaffhams as well as outlying villages.
Its aims are:
- To increase the length and number of trails which are accessible to horses, for the safety of riders, horses, and the road users who would otherwise encounter them.
- To ensure that these trails are maintained in a rideable condition.
- To encourage, and teach riders to be safe and considerate towards other users of highways, byways, bridleways and the countryside in general.
During last year members of the group formed a working party, and with the aid of a tractor and flail, (partially financed by the FBA) spent several hours of one weekend clearing scrub and cutting back the hedges and those lethal briars, which were encroaching into the path of the users of the byways.
Andy Davidson, the County Council Rights of Way officer said "We (the Council) appreciate the work done by the Fenland Riders in clearing the byways and working with council officers to improve the network for other users."
It is important that byways and bridleways are kept clear of obstruction, and are not lost. What can you do to help? By joining the FBA, you are seen to be representing an expanding group of people who love to spend their leisure time safely with their horses in the countryside. These people are dedicated to maintaining the access and condition of safe riding areas, opening up new linking routes and encouraging other horse riders to be safe and considerate to other users.
In addition, you will be able to take part in organized activities such as talks/ lectures, outings, pleasure rides, jumping opportunities, carriage driving, and access over trails open only to FBA members (this is a current project, hopefully for the near future).
Anyone interested in joining the FBA should contact Joy Fuller (Membership Secretary), Westmere Farm, Upware, Cambs. Telephone: 01353-720288 (leave message and your contact number please).