Objection to an application to record three restricted byways near Ringwood

We have objected to an application to record three byways in the parish of Ringwood. The application was based on three sites:

• Bagnum Lane SU1734 0272 to Kingston Great Common
• SU1730 0210 to Kingston Great Common
• Kingston Great Common from SU1832 0265 to Charles Lane
  SU1816 0377

Our objection to this application is based on the
following grounds:

• Kingston Great Common is a Nature Reserve and designated SSSI, as such it needs to be
  given protection.
• There is already open access for walkers and horse riders to Kingston Great Common
  negating the need for the proposed restricted byway.
• A restricted byway could be upgraded in the future.
•  To record it as a Right of Way would mean it would be published on a map which may
  increase the footfall in a sensitive area.
• Current visitors come to appreciate an area defined as a Nature Reserve, folk pursuing
  byways on a map may not have the same care of the environment or wildlife,
• There is a curlew nesting site close by, its success completely dependent on the lack of
  disturbance.

On top of these grounds we also found from a site visit on 10th February 2022 that the area did not support constant and continued use. The grass ride at the far end of Great Kingston Common showed little if any disturbance and the gate leading to the private land and Park Hill (marked on the map as a proposed restricted byway from Sandford SU1730 0210) was locked with a rusty padlock that showed little sign of opening. Similarly, the gate leading to Bagnum Lane SU1734 0272 (marked on the map as a proposed restricted byway) was locked and showed little sign of being used.

As part of the investigation for granting this application, it is paramount that a Natural England Habitat Risk Assessment be carried out to gage the impact these restricted byways would have on
this vulnerable area.

We now await an update on the matter.