THE British Horse Society Access Week, which runs until Saturday, has been highlighting the work of BHS staff and volunteers, and raising awareness and money for access campaigns.

The week is an annual event to raise awareness of access issues and the work being done by BHS staff, volunteers and affiliated bridleways groups on behalf of riders across the UK.

Currently, horse riders have access to only 22% of the public rights of way network and carriage drivers only 5%. The creation and preservation of the equestrian public rights of way network not only creates and preserves the network for equestrians but for cyclists and walkers as well.

The main event of the week was the launch of Bedfordshire and the Chiltern Hills on Horseback. This publication details 13 trails around the area, as well as places to stay with your horse and other key local information. The BHS is also encouraging riders to host a ‘Ride for Access’ to raise money for the access fighting fund. While Access Week is the focus for ride-for-access rides, they can be held at any time of the year. Emma Jones arranged a nine-mile ride in Ceredigion on May 4, raising more that £100.

During Access Week, the BHS presents awards to nominated individuals or organisations that have made a significant contribution to any aspect of rights-of-way work. Access awards are to be presented this year to recognise achievements in opening new routes, dedicated service to equestrian access and co-operation between user groups.

Mark Weston, BHS director of access safety and welfare, said: “Access Week is a time to raise awareness of the work of our staff and volunteers. This is particularly important in the current climate, where equestrian access is increasingly neglected in current legislation, and campaigning is fast becoming an important issue.” This year’s National Access Conference is taking a practical approach.

Following the success of last year’s conference, The BHS has invited key decision-makers to speak at this year’s event who will talk about practical and technical matters that affect equestrian access. Confirmed speakers so far are: The Pennine Bridleway team; Roger Wright of The Highways Agency; Catriona Cook, Regional Access and Bridleways Officer for Yorkshire and Richard Brooks from the MoD.

This year’s conference will be taking place on September 21 at The George Hotel, Penrith, and is open to all. Tickets cost £35, and booking forms are available from bhs.org.uk or by calling the BHS access department on 01926 707712.