The High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, Dawn Haig-Thomas, opened the 250th gate installed by the Isle of Wight Ramblers earlier this week.
Through their Donate a Gate project, Isle of Wight Ramblers has been replacing stiles with gates since 2009, to help provide better access to the countryside for people of all abilities. The gates are funded by donations from individuals and community groups.
Isle of Wight Ramblers, who were presented with The Queens Award for Voluntary Service, worked closely with the Isle of Wight Council and landowners to determine appropriate locations and gates. Through discussion and collaboration, kissing gates are often chosen, to maintain stock control where needed.
As well as providing gates, Isle of Wight Ramblers has actively engaged with projects to improve rights of way access and where necessary grant funding has been obtained.
3 new accessible trails have been created at Western Yar Estuary, Tapnell Trail and the Warrior Trail, where gates have replaced stiles and ground conditions have been improved. The Yar River Trail has been upgraded and a link path from Brading to St Helens improved across the marshes.
The “Access for All” campaign has involved a total funding of some £250,000.
The installation of the special 250th gate has been a real team effort. Funded by Ramblers GB Path Accessibility Fund, made from local oak by Clifford J Matthews Ltd at Moorhills Farm (Peter Matthews), and the oak plaque has been made by Marcus Matthews, Redhill Farm Designs.
Kate Ashbrook, Vice President, has often visited the island and been involved in local campaigns to improve access. She said:
“What a fantastic achievement. This is what the Ramblers is all about: amazing, dedicated volunteers helping more people enjoy the benefits of walking in the countryside. We know stiles prevent a lot of people enjoying our beautiful landscapes and the work of the Isle of Wight Ramblers is a big step forward in opening up the outdoors. With the introduction of our Path Accessibility Fund, we hope to see more projects like this, right around Britain.
“The work of Isle of Wight Ramblers is legendary and I have been proud to take part in many of its campaigns over the years to ensure that the Isle of Wight truly is a walkers’ Island.”
