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Writer's pictureHanham Green Belt

Delight as Historic Public Right of Way is Restored

Updated: Aug 10, 2023


People standing on a footpath cut through a field of maize with trees in the background

Members of Hanham District Green Belt Conservation Society are celebrating a successful campaign to get an obstructed public right of way reinstated.


The ancient public right of way (PROW) had been blocked for months after a farmer ploughed and planted maize (sweetcorn) over it, which had grown to a height of over 2 metres in places.


Members of the society contacted South Gloucestershire Council’s PROW officer at the end of June to complain about the obstruction. Late last week, the PROW officer gave an ultimatum to the farmer to reinstate the footpath within 48 hours. The farmer complied and the footpath was restored by Friday evening.

aerial photo of walkers on a footpath cut through a field of maize

Local residents are delighted with the restoration of the footpath which allows quick and direct access from Common Road, Hanham to the very popular Hencliff Wood, part of the Avon Valley Woodlands local nature reserve.


The Woodland Trust, the UK's largest woodland conservation charity, states that “Along with improving our quality of life, green spaces can help to make us physically healthier and improve our mental wellbeing. Spending time in nature is a great way to support mental health, as it can boost mood and decrease stress.”


Hanham District Green Belt Conservation Society is proud to have played its part in the re-opening of this historic footpath, which gives local residents and visitors to Hanham, a short route to the beautiful and biodiverse Hencliff Wood.

walkers, some with dogs on leads standing on a footpath cut through a field of maize

Local dog walkers join the celebrations

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