Lurgashall Lane Reopens to All Users
Oct 26, 2005
Contact Name: Jenny Lynch
Contact email: jlynch@southdowns-aonb.gov.uk
A Lurgashall lane running alongside the boundary banks of a 12th century deer park, has been reopened to walkers, horse riders and cyclists, following the efforts of South Downs Joint Committee (SDJC), the local community and a band of volunteers.
A number of factors had contributed to High Lane, a Road Used as a Public Path (RUPP) becoming waterlogged and impassable. The lane runs over Wealden clay which holds water on the surface and was heavily shaded by overhanging trees blocking out the sunlight. The continuous use by 4 x 4 vehicles under these conditions meant that deep ruts had developed.
Jenny Lynch, SDJC ranger for the Northern area said: “This meant that other users had to resort to taking the drier route on the top of the boundary banks of the former deer park.” Part of a ditch and bank system introduced by the Normans, these ancient banks were becoming damaged by users diverting from the Public Right of Way
Says Jenny: “The determination and persistence of the local community and South Downs Joint Committee means the lane has now been resurfaced and is open to all users and further damage to the boundary banks can be prevented. It is good to see a number of horse riders using it again. High Lane has always been popular with them and makes an especially safe track for young riders.”
Mike Oakland, a volunteer parish path walker and former parish clerk for Lurgashall, rallied support and SDJC volunteers set about clearing overhanging trees to allow the sunlight in to dry out the waterlogged area. A top layer of wet mud and leaf litter was removed with the help of a digger and a new brick hardcore later set down, topped with local Fittleworth sandstone, to improve drainage.
“The sandstone will quickly blend into the countryside as the autumn leaves fall,” said Jenny, “and the clearance of the overhanging trees will encourage woodland flowers like bluebells.”
1. For press enquiries or high resolution versions of any images in this release please contact Jane Brace PR on (01243) 789554 or e-mail j.brace@virgin.net or Julian Gray, Communications Manager on (01243) 558700 or 07866 962584 jgray@southdowns-aonb.gov.uk or Catherine James on (01323)870280 cjames@southdowns-aonb.gov.uk.
2. The South Downs Joint Committee works in partnership with the South Downs Volunteer Ranger Service to protect this internationally important landscape. The aim of the Committee is to protect, conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the South Downs; promote opportunities for the understanding and quiet enjoyment of the area's special qualities and encourage sustainable forms of economic and community development.
3.The Chairman of the South Downs Joint Committee is Lord Renton and Martin Beaton its Chief Executive.
4.The South Downs Virtual Information Centre can be found at
www.vic.org.uk.
5.The South Downs comprises the East Hampshire and Sussex Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) covering an area of 1366 sq km running from Eastbourne to Winchester. The South Downs is one of over 50 protected landscapes in England and Wales (National Parks and AONBs).
