Ropley Parish Council Wins Hampshire Choice Award for Transforming Countryside Access

Ropley Parish Council’s footpath improvement project has been crowned the winner of the Hampshire Choice Award at the CPRE Hampshire Countryside Awards, following an overwhelming public vote.

For years, Ropley’s extensive footpath network was dotted with stiles, creating barriers for people with limited mobility and restricting access to the countryside. Guided by the Ropley Neighbourhood Plan, which prioritises improving rights of way, the Parish Council set out to make the countryside more inclusive and connected.

As a result, over 35 stiles have been replaced with gates and kissing gates, creating safer, more accessible walking routes between different parts of the village and opening up Hampshire’s beautiful countryside to more people than ever before. These improvements support CPRE Hampshire’s mission to make the countryside more accessible, inclusive and welcoming – especially in the places closest to where people live.

Alison Talbot, Operations Manager at CPRE Hampshire commented: “Walking in the countryside brings countless benefits from boosting mental health and wellbeing to fostering a sense of community. Thanks to the Ropley Access Improvements project, more people can now enjoy these benefits. By replacing stiles with gates and kissing gates, the project has opened up safe, accessible routes across the village and into the South Downs National Park. It’s already inspiring new initiatives like the Ropley Xplorers, an informal walking group that encourages residents to get outside, connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the Hampshire countryside.”

The award was presented at the CPRE Hampshire Countryside Awards ceremony on Tuesday 9^th December at Kings Somborne Village Hall by CPRE President, The Earl of Malmesbury, following a public vote which saw over 800 people vote.

In addition, the Ropley Access Improvement project also shared the title of Best Access to the Countryside Project, alongside Colden Common’s Permissive Path.

The award is dedicated to Graham Flatt, whose insightful work and early guidance shaped the Ropley footpath improvement project.

Councillor Catherine Mitchell, Footpath Network & Communication Lead, said:
“Ropley Parish Council and the Ropley footpath improvement volunteers are delighted to win the Hampshire Choice Award. Replacing over 35 stiles with gates and kissing gates on the Ropley footpath network has meant that more people can enjoy going for walks in our beautiful countryside.’’

One of the judging panel praised the project’s scale and impact:
“As a walker of advanced age, I really appreciate the replacement of stiles with kissing gates. Replacing no less than 35, with more to come, is very impressive. Great work to persuade so many bodies to contribute funds. Strong volunteer involvement. An excellent countryside access project.”

This ambitious project was made possible through strong community collaboration and funding contributions from Hampshire County Council, Ropley Parish Council, s106 funds from East Hampshire District Council, Ropley Society, the local county councillor, local residents and Alresford Rotary Club.

Looking Ahead

Next year marks CPRE’s centenary, celebrating 100 years of championing the countryside. All of this year’s Countryside Award winners will go forward as nominees for the CPRE National Awards, giving these inspiring projects the chance to shine on a national stage.