News

New funding to help save England’s threatened bridleways

Tuesday, 25 August 2026

British Horse Society (BHS) is delighted to have signed a new agreement with British Equestrian to access funding from Sport England’s partner investment scheme, to support its active bridleways project – a vital programme which is helping protect England’s off-road access network, preserving safer rights of way for the equestrian sector and wider communities. 

The award, which runs for a 12 month period until 31 March 2027, will support the delivery of additional bridleway and byway applications across England that are currently missing from the Definitive Map, as well as enabling the training of 20 new Historical Research volunteers.   

The in-person training and webinars will be further bolstered by the development of new online training resources, based on the Restoring the Record programme, to better equip all BHS volunteers both now and in the future.  

Adam Hughes, Strategic Lead for Relationships at British Equestrian, commented, “I’m extremely pleased to have worked alongside Sport England and BHS to secure funding which will enable this important project to continue for a further 12 months. 

“A key focus of this phase is to support the incredible volunteer network to continue identifying, recording and protecting the vital rights of access for equestrians, whilst building their confidence to navigate any potential appeals process with local authorities. By investing in both people and access, we’re helping to safeguard these valuable routes for future generations and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the project.” 

Will Steel, British Horse Society Head of Access, added, “We’re delighted to have received funding from Sport England for this project, which will enable us to continue to develop and build on the fantastic work of Project 2026.  

“Whilst we have made great strides in the past eight years, with over 4,400 applications made across the country, we know there is still a huge amount of research to be done. Every route we save is of benefit to vulnerable road users - not just equestrians but also pedestrians and cyclists, and this award will support us to continue our work to safeguard even more routes for the future.”  

The bridleways and byways recorded through this important work will provide essential safe off-road routes and links in the currently fragmented rights of way network for riders, walkers and cyclists. They will be a permanent resource and free to use, providing opportunities for active travel, access to nature and all the health and wellbeing benefits that this brings. 

For advice on access and bridleway routes, visit bhs.org.uk