Forty years of loyal service to the preservation of rights of way have resulted in John Featherstone receiving a long service award.
John, of Mount Pleasant Lane, Bricket Wood, is the British Horse Society access and bridleways officer for Herts.
He joined award winners from all over the UK for a ceremony at Saddlers Hall in the City of London where he received his accolade from the actor Martin Clunes, who is president of the BHS (pictured above).
John monitors the condition and accessibility of routes and reviews all significant planning applications that affect rights of way.
Objections are made where appropriate and John represents the BHS at public inquiries.
He said: “It is vital at this time to ensure that all historic routes for horse riders and carriage drivers are recorded as bridleways and byways before the cut-off date.
“In 2000 the Countryside and Rights of Way Act was introduced; Section 53 provides for a cut-off in 2026, after which it will no longer be possible to record historic routes etched in time.”
He believes it is vital to protect, preserve and enhance the network for the benefit of future generations.
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