FARAG's Record
Proceeding by agreement is not a rapid process. People sometimes join FARAG with enthusiasm and then leave after a year, complaining "FARAG's done nothing." This is far from the truth, but sadly when members leave it does weaken our bargaining position.
We all wish we could have a completed path network tomorrow, but unfortunately wishing or complaining doesn't get the job done.
What does get it done is a lot of hard work and determination; patient investigation into what is required, who owns the land, what geological or other problems will be encountered, and who is likely to be able to help us. This is followed by negotiations with interested parties, applications for grants, drawing up of plans and issuing of contracts. Sometimes the opening of a path is the result of years of effort by FARAG and others.
Progress is always slower than we would like; we need your continued support!
Some Success Stories
Core Paths Network
FARAG has been closely involved in the consultations held by Falkirk Council about the Core Path network, both directly and through The Falkirk Outdoor Access Forum. Falkirk Council seems one of the most progressive councils as far as the timetable and proposed routes are concerned, but even here patience and persistence are required.
Bridleways
The first FARAG project was the development of new bridleways at Muiravonside Country Park, which were formally opened in 2002. The clearance, surfacing and drainage was carried out by Falkirk Council in consultation with FARAG. This project has stood the test of time reasonably well although there is some wear and tear due to the volume of usage.
The Candie right of way was opened up for horses when the woodland was fenced off . This work was completed early in 2008 and our thanks go to Falkirk Council and Scottish Natural Heritage for their financial contribution to this work. The Candie railway line which had become very overgrown was cleared and was also available for use again.
Self-closing gates
For the past 25 years this track at Castlecary was closed with a padlock and stile. The kissing gate has been replaced by self closing gate so horses now have access without keys for padlocks.
The Maddiston Blackbraes path now also has a self closing gate at the California end, and the Candie right of way has self closing gates at either end.
Horse stiles
The big gates at Roughrigg were padlocked in May 2007 but, after discussions with the landowner, the kissing gates were replaced by horse stiles as specified in the BHS/SNH handbook. These are two parallel sleepers which are intended to deter motor bikes/quad bikes. This is because access rights to paths do not extend to motorised vehicles.
This work has been completed and reports are that horses do not have any problem with them. Unfortunately we had to use our own funds to pay for the two stiles but that is what funds are for and the routes are open again.
We agreed with the landowner that if we noticed any antisocial behaviour or damage to his property we would report back to him so, if any riders notice anything that should be reported, please contact Sheila on 01324 851262 and the information will be passed on.
About our work
East Stirlingshire is a beautiful part of the world. We are privileged to enjoy some fine countryside and parks. It is also an area of relatively dense population and industrial activity. This means that traffic has grown very significantly in recent years.
Many road users are not well informed about horses and do not know how to react when encountering horses on the roads. This lack of knowledge threatens lives.
Some, sadly, are prejudiced against horse riders, believing that we do not belong on the roads and unaware that the incomplete local path network can frequently only be accessed by road.
Falkirk Area Riders Access Group aims to improve knowledge on all sides.
Our survey is aimed at improving understanding of the local problem. If you are a local horse rider and have not yet completed the survey, please do so.
The more we know about problems, the more chance we have of working successfully to solve them.
Safety and Responsibility
From a safety point of view it is urgent to ensure that adequate off road riding is available for the increasing number of people, including many children, involved in equestrian activities in the Falkirk area.
However some landowners know no more about horses than some drivers, and some have experienced discourtesy or thoughtless behaviour by irresponsible riders.
Riders have the same rights to consideration as non-riders, but the same duty to give consideration to others.
FARAG is working to promote this.
Grateful ThanksWe should like to express our sincere thanks to: |
Forest & woodland rides
The Limerigg Community Association received a grant in 2004 for work on paths in the land owned by the Forestry Commission who carried out the work. Most of this work was finished by the end of March 2005. All these paths are available for use by horse riders.
The track, which comes off the B825 (Limerigg to Caldercruix) right through to the Longriggend / Binniehill road, now has a big gate and riders from Slamannan and Longriggend are able to get to the new tracks which are on both sides of the B8022 Limerigg / Slamannan road.
We were awarded funds from Falkirk Environment Trust for the upgrading of the Chacefield Woods, Denny tracks as part of the regeneration of the woods. We hope that with wider and better paths everyone will feel better about the area and be polite to each other.
Contacts:
Secretary / Treasurer:
