Locked out

SIR, — The Woodland Trust has proudly announced that its newly-acquired Sandridge forest site is now open to the public. However it appears that access for all is in fact access only for able-bodied walkers — horse riders, cyclists and anyone else who i

SIR, - The Woodland Trust has proudly announced that its newly-acquired Sandridge forest site is now open to the public. However it appears that "access for all" is in fact access only for able-bodied walkers - horse riders, cyclists and anyone else who is unable to negotiate the kissing gates, are excluded.

This is despite the fact that there is already an established horse-riding track around the site. This track could easily also accommodate cyclists and would provide both with an off-road route between Nomansland and Harpenden Common. At present going between the two involves riding along a narrow country lane used by large numbers of vehicles, mostly driven at high speed.

At the public meetings and on their website The Woodland Trust has emphasised that the whole area will be freely accessible for all and it was undoubtedly this prospect that was responsible for the considerable public support for the project.

Hopefully the installation of kissing gates is an oversight that will be speedily rectified, but might I suggest that anyone who would like to enjoy the new forest site on horse or cycle, contacts The Woodland Trust and reminds them of their promise.

RHODA HARRISON,

Eastmoor Park, Harpenden.