Keep Hill Woods pathway improvements

The path between Warren Wood Drive and Keep Hill Woods is currently not a public right of way, like much of the current path network throughout Keep Hill Woods. The main corridor through the woods is a bridleway – a type of public right of way which gives the following groups the right of this:

• pedestrians
• cyclists
• and horse riders

It does not permit motor vehicles such as motorcycles, mopeds and quadbikes rights to drive over this. Any such use is illegal and should be reported to the Police.

The path between Warren Wood Drive and Keep Hill Woods (between points B-C-D on the plan below) is planned to be made a bridleway (public right of way), like the rest of the route through the woods. In order to legally record the path as a bridleway, we are required to follow a legal process by means of an Order under section 26 Highways Act 1980.

This is the legal process which must be followed by Buckinghamshire Council, through which it gives people the opportunity to air their views formally during the consultation period, which runs until 11th April 2025.

Notices have been placed on site and the process, including the consultation, is being run as per legislation requirements. It is also separate to the works which have now been predominantly completed through the woodland.

By this path becoming a public right of way (bridleway), it will secure its long-term future as a route which will not permit motor vehicles to use it and anyone doing so can be prosecuted by the Police. It also does not seek retrospective permission to deliver the improvements through the woods nor seek permission for any other or future works.

We are aware of the broken chicane and are in discussions to replace this; this is expected to be replaced later this year. The purpose of this is to help slow down cyclists who might be coming down the hill at speed, prior to the road, to reduce the likelihood of an accident occurring. It also needs to be fit for purpose for all users – pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders – as well as the Chiltern Rangers who maintain the woodland.

There have been suggestions to address apparent use of the path network by motor vehicles. Should there be any instances of this we suggest that the Police are called who are the most appropriate organisation to address this. Should a motorist be driving on a public right of way, they can be prosecuted accordingly. By making the path to the woods from Warren Wood Drive a public right of way it will make it easier for the Police to bring a prosecution against anyone driving along it.

Additionally, later this year, we are looking to improve the current crossing on Warren Wood Drive. It will remain ‘uncontrolled’ i.e. there will not be traffic lights although there will be interventions to improve safety for those travelling between The Rye and Keep Hill Woods. As part of this, a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is required which includes the need to formally consult.

More information will be available later this year although the consultation will be focused only on the crossing and not the path network through the woodland or going up to the woodland – such comments can’t be considered through this mechanism. This is also separate from the section 26 Order and the improvements that are largely complete through Keep Hill Woods.

You told us you're concerned about sewage leaking from manholes through the woods.

We've replaced some of the manhole covers with covers that include a lock. This will ensure any waste remains in the existing pipe network.

The pipe network and infrastructure is maintained by Thames Water. If you have any specific concerns about leaks, contact Thames Water directly.

You told us you were concerned about motorcycles and quad bikes using the woodland.

It's a challenge to make the routes accessible for certain users, but to prevent access to motorcycle and quad bike users.

We've needed to make the route accessible for residents:

• walking
• on mobility devices
• scooting (non-electric)
• cycling
• horse riding

You should report incidents to the Police directly by calling 111 or via the Thames Valley Police website.

We're continuing to work with our Community Safety Team on a solution.

You told us you were concerned about the drainage of the path and the subsequent runoff of water.

The material we're using for the path is:

• designed to let water quickly drain and run through it
• hard-wearing to resist the formation of channels of water
• planned to be laid in a way which encourages water to flow to the sides

You told us you were unsure of the extent of lighting through the woodland.

We'll lay lighting studs into the surface of the path. These are solar powered and illuminate at night.

They will be positioned at the northern and southern points, where there is a connection with the road.

This will provide an awareness that you are approaching the road.