Regeneration and community spirit with a huge impact!
Over the centuries, the public bridleways and walks of the parish had eroded so badly that many of them had become virtually impassable. The parish has over 40 miles of these lovely rights of way criss-crossing through beautiful countryside, and it seemed that they might be lost forever to future generations.
Recently, most of them have been completely restored – rebuilt to their original condition.
This phoenix-like transition was brought about through the dedicated efforts of a group of local residents working hand-in-hand with the district and county councils.
Here’s how is happened..
A government-funded initiative was set up to look at rural regeneration in a specific area in the South East. Two parishes, Seddlescombe and Rotherfield, were chosen to see if tourism was an option in a rural community and to develop social economic and environmental potential in these parishes.
In Rotherfield a local group, the Rotherfield Community Tourism Initiative (RCTI) was set up to look at ways of encouraging regeneration within the Parish, situated within the High Weald of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It was decided that tourism offered the best potential for achieving these goals.
To assess local opinion a questionnaire was sent out to every household in the Parish, based on a scheme to develop the area's greatest asset, namely the natural landscape. This scheme proposed to improve access to the countryside, using existing rights of way and also by promoting interest in a variety of local sites of interests and recreational attractions. The response to this questionnaire was overwhelmingly supportive and the RCTI then set up a project to develop and implement these ideas. The central aim was to promote the potential of the area to the wider public, increase visitor spend and thereby help sustain existing businesses such as local shops, pubs, Bed and Breakfast establishments, farm produce, riding centres and other recreational pursuits, as well as creating opportunities for other businesses and farming diversification.
The RCTI has received strong support and funding from both the District and County Councils as well as substantial grants from the Local Heritage Fund, Nationwide and the Leader + fund. Work has now progressed with upgrading of many of the public bridle routes within the Parish, and on the production of a local Guidebook, promotional maps and leaflets. It is hoped that the improved quality of the Rights of Way will encourage greater access to the surrounding countryside and, together with the promotional materials, will generate a heightened interest in prosperity and opportunity.
The RCTI is working closely with Wealden District Council Tourism Department and ESCC Rights of Way office to develop the maximum potential of this scheme. It is hoped that the project will be completed during 2005, but the benefits should be on going and increasing.
If you would like further information, please ring John Dolwin, Chairman of the RCTI, on 01892 852569.
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