Hare Hill path closed for safety of visitors and livestock

As many readers will have noticed the path between The Edge and Hare Hill, which is popular with many local walkers, is currently closed.

Having received a number of enquiries about why this permissive footpath is closed, I contacted the National Trust who confirmed that the path will be closed until March 1st for the safety of visitors and the welfare of livestock.

Emma Hill, Head Gardener at Hare Hill, explained "We try to look after the park in a way that balances the needs of walkers, the environment, and our tenant farmer and his livestock. As a permissive footpath, rather than a public right of way, we offer access for people along a route through the park, which would otherwise not exist. From time to time we close the path through the park, in order for it to balance the needs of people and environment, and occasionally when young calves are present.

"We do aim to keep the footpath open as much as possible, although this winter we are closing the footpath for a little longer than usual until the garden re-opens on the 1st of March. There are two main reasons behind this decision:

For the safety of visitors: The footpath through the south of the Park runs along the main drive. We will be upgrading the drive and re-landscaping the car park whilst we are closed, so shutting the path means we can carry out the building works safely.
For the welfare of livestock: Our tenant farmer plans to graze his sheep on the park over winter. We have found that instances of dogs worrying livestock increase when the garden is closed.

"Additionally, we anticipate that giving the North Park a rest after the tens of thousands of visitors we have had over the last year will benefit the natural environment and make a difference to the species living there.

"I hope you will understand why we have taken this decision. We will continue to review the situation. Please be assured that we understand how much people value the route, and that we intend to keep the path open as much as possible whilst keeping the other park considerations in mind."

The National Trust will soon be putting up some map boards showing alternative routes for walkers.