THE British Horse Society Access Week for 2009 will take place from tomorrow (Friday) to May 25, and will highlight the work of BHS staff and volunteers by raising awareness and money for access campaigns.

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

Equestrians have access to only 22 per cent of the public rights of way network and carriage drivers only five per cent.

Creating and preserving the equestrian public rights of way network not only saves the network for equestrians but for cyclists and walkers as well.

The week’s main event is to be the launch of the William Morgan Ride on Friday, May 22, which is the most recent addition to the society’s national bridleroute network. The route joins several other long-distance routes in Wales and forms a key part of the forthcoming Great Dragon Ride.

The BHS is also encouraging riders to host their own 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.

Other groups are also holding their own awareness-raising events with local councils and groups of riders.

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 will be presented this year to recognise achievement in opening new routes, dedicated service to equestrian access and cooperation 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 at all levels is necessary to ensure that equestrians are not forgotten by law and policy makers.”