|
Post by cookie on Dec 11, 2008 20:38:52 GMT 1
petitions.number10.gov.uk/StopCattleGrids/ Please can I ask for your support in this matter. It will only take you a few moments and cost nothing. We want to stop the implementation of cattle grids in Epping Forest because of the risk they pose for a loose horse. They are also not very good for wildlife - hedgehogs, deer etc. easily get stuck. Not sure if you are all familiar with Epping Forest - it is a semi-urban area with large volumes of visitors (horse riders, mountain bikers, ramblers, dog walkers) and traffic. The key problem in the forest is that of speeding - yet this is not efficiently addressed in the proposed Transport Strategy - but I suppose that needs to be discussed elsewhere... Anyway - back to the cattle grids: There is currently a number of cattle grazing in the forest, managed by electric fencing, which is cheap and effective - and also a fairly safe way for all - cattle, users (especially those with little or no experience with cattle) and traffic. The City of London is now planning to increase the number of cattle and let them roam free - hence the proposal for cattle grids by the City of London and Essex County Council ... not a very good solution in a semi-urban area if you ask me. Also not a very good solution for the large number of horses in Epping Forest and the surrounding towns & villages. Not to mention the deer and other wildlife. The plans include a grid on one of the main routes out of our yard and several in areas used by riders. If you could take the time, we'd appreciate your support.
|
|
|
Post by clare3603 on Dec 12, 2008 10:15:42 GMT 1
All signed hopefully they will get the message.
|
|
|
Post by julz on Dec 12, 2008 11:11:25 GMT 1
Cattle grids now come with escape routes for little wildlife - eg, hedgehogs, so that wouldnt be a problem.
|
|
|
Post by wally on Dec 12, 2008 11:24:39 GMT 1
Would you like to see a photo of a cattle grid injury on a lose horse! Bear in mind this is the leg of a tough as old boots M&M with bone and hippopotomas hide! Hat she been a thin skinned variety it would have been a lot worse. This was after a week of treatment, originally tendons and bone was visible, it was granulating nicely when these were taken. This was a record of how it healed up. All she has now is a small black scar, her leg is mostly covered in har again. I hate cattle grids!
|
|
|
Post by gwenoakes on Dec 12, 2008 16:56:50 GMT 1
Have signed. See there is only 132 signatures there though!!
|
|
|
Post by cookie on Dec 12, 2008 18:35:50 GMT 1
Oh Wally, I have passed some pics to non-horsey friends in raising the issue but your pics are truely awful. What a nightmare. Did the horse come sound? Julz- I didn't know that about provision for smaller wildlife but that won't help the deer... Its such a privilage to see the deer in the forest... Gwen, the petition is only a couple of days old and we're hoping we can grown the numbers. A couple of friends went to the public consultation to have a good look at the plans before starting this petition. There is still time. Thank you all for your support, Wally's pics will stay with me. This is an area heavily populated with livery yards, private yards and riding schools. It sends a chill down my spine. Two ponies broke out their summer field this year in the night. It was alarming enough without this extra hazard... The plan is for so many in a relatively small area... Thank you C x
|
|
|
Post by gwenoakes on Dec 12, 2008 21:54:45 GMT 1
Upping for more signatures
|
|
|
Post by rooshka on Dec 15, 2008 17:04:49 GMT 1
Signed & upped
I ride in High Beach so this affects me directly.
Please, even if it's not your area, sign this petition for fellow horses and riders!
Thanks
|
|
|
Post by cookie on Dec 28, 2008 22:57:16 GMT 1
Greetings, please excuse me upping this thread. 13 proposed cattle grids in an area highly populated with riding schools and livery yards with a history of public access since the 1800's. The cattle grids are to mark "gateways to the forest". The forestry commission admit its a matter of when, not if a horse would get trapped in these grids. The local fire brigade are increasing their animal rescue training... thank you for your support in signing our petition: petitions.number10.gov.uk/StopCattleGrids/PS Hi Rooshka, the plans for High Beech are simply staggering with 3-4 grids round that small area. Madness. Are you an EFRA member then? Please, please email the petition details to others at your yard and ask them to complete the consultation questionairre available at www.essex.gov.uk/efts I feel there is local apathy, probably because riders have been treated badly in the forest for some time, but this is not just a nusiance its literally a plan for death traps.
|
|
ms
Grand Prix Poster
Billy Two Rivers
Posts: 2,898
|
Post by ms on Dec 29, 2008 8:26:30 GMT 1
Have signed and passed it on.
|
|
|
Post by wally on Dec 29, 2008 11:16:55 GMT 1
Use the photos if you want, I don't mind, if they can help please do. Thankfully she is a tough M&M type and she made a full recovery, this is her, last summer. As you see she is not a light legged, light skinned mare, a TB or Arab with thin skin, or similar type with greyhoud skin would have suffered a great deal more.
|
|
|
Post by SarahW on Dec 29, 2008 13:49:19 GMT 1
I'm afraid that I bypassed this thread until now because I live in the New Forest and there are cattle grids everywhere and of course the wild ponies are used to them and accidents are very rare. However, having seen those photos I am just off to sign the petition. Our local vet ended up with her horse in the cattle grid when she was out riding on the Forest - fortunately the Fire service were able to save his life but his competing days are over and he is badly scarred. Two days ago another friends donkeys got out onto the road in the village here and one ended up in the cattle grid and had to be put down. His little mate is absolutely desolate.........
|
|
|
Post by wally on Dec 29, 2008 15:16:29 GMT 1
We have them and the ponies in the hill either don't go near them or take no notice and manage to potter across them.
It's when you get a horse who doesn't know about them or in a mad panic you are in for heartbreak.
They are like barbed wire, they cause more injury and problems than they prevent.
|
|
|
Post by cookie on Dec 29, 2008 18:10:55 GMT 1
Wally, thank you, I would like to use the photos with your permission as I intend to help the local riders association with their awareness raising around local yards and especially riding schools. I finally have a bit more time over the holiday so will be being a bit more proactive before the consultation ends in feb. Thankfully your mare looks ace.
Sarah, I am really interested in your comments. I haven't been lucky enough to be in the NF for many years and don't, in honesty, fully understand how the forest ponies are managed. I have followed some of the threads on road traffic accidents though, such a difficult situation.
My fear is for the children and novices or, like myself, those riding young horses who may spook in an accident, although in fairness accidents can happen to anyone. So many grids in such a small area. We already have a few at key junctions and that seems sensible but with the current plan I could pass SIX on a one hour slow hack round...
The other thing that I don't understand is how putting in cattle grids and grazing cattle in the forest without addressing the local speeding issues can ever work without being a risk to cattle and people alike.
apologies for my soap box, thank you all for your support, C x
|
|
|
Post by Lynsey on Dec 29, 2008 21:25:08 GMT 1
Have signed the petition. Just came back from visiting friends in the Epping area today and it is really lovely round there. The photos are quite shocking so happy to support the campaign.
|
|