We, Forestry England, provide access to the nation’s forests to the public, this includes providing suitable and safe access to those who enjoy recreational riding. We support riding access and absolutely recognise the importance of providing safe off-road riding. It is for this reason that we have liaised with the British Horse Society (BHS), and other riding groups, for many years to effectively facilitate riding access to many Forestry England sites, in addition to public bridleways and byways.

For some of the more sensitive sites, we operate horse riding permit systems, to enable access while minimising harm and risk to public safety. 

We review these permit systems to ensure our protocols are fit-for-purpose, justified, and fair for riders.