ALICE HOLT FOREST AND CAR PARKING
Important information for Walk Leaders who are intending to use Abbotts Wood Inclosure and Gravel Hill Car Park, which are controlled by Forestry England, as their start point.
One of our leaders experienced problems with Forestry England in late November 2022, when they found the Abbots Wood Inclosure car park barrier locked when they arrived to do a recce for their upcoming walk later in the week. Enquiries were made to Alice Holt to determine that the car park would be open on the day of the walk, but they were then told by a Forestry England employee that they would require a permit to lead walks in Alice Holt Forest.
We have investigated this claim by Forestry England and have found that this is not the case and here is a statement taken from their website and their "Permit Criteria”. https://www.forestryengland.uk/permissions
You can of course enjoy public rights of way including footpaths and bridleways for walking, cycling or horseriding without permission. Access on foot in dedicated woodlands* does not need permission as long as it is not for commercial purposes and complies with any relevant instructions. The following criteria does require a permit.
- Your event or activity will involve more than 25 people
- You will be using animals or equipment
- You will be charging people for your event or activity
- Your event or activity involves scientific research
Therefore normal Ramblers led walks should not need a permit. However, it would be best to bear in mind that you may find a car park locked for no apparent reason, perhaps because they are short staffed, and this may be a disruption to the start of your walk whilst you redirect attendees to a new start point.
You can report any problems to me, Sue Harvey, and I will pass these on to our Area Representative who will deal with any issues on our behalf. If you don't know my email address, you can contact me through the Contact Us page of the website.
February 2022