On Air Now The House Party with Jack McHugh 6:00pm - Midnight Alok / Bebe Rexha - Deep In Your Love Schedule

Isle Of Wight Ramblers Celebrate Installation Of 250th Gate To 'Open Up Countryside To All'

On Tuesday (May 9) the High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, Dawn Haig-Thomas, opened the 250th gate installed by the Isle of Wight Ramblers.

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, have 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.

Three 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 funded by Ramblers GB Path Accessibility Fund and installed by local contractor Peter Faithful.

Kate Ashbrook, Vice President of the Open Space Society, said:

"The work of Isle of Wight Ramblers is legendary.

"I have been proud to take part in many of its campaigns over the years to ensure the area truly is a walkers’ island.”

More from Isle of Wight News