Priory Water, Melton Mowbray

[RossClement]

Hi all.

I was on a bus the other day that went past a nature reserve, called Priory Water. Upon looking it up on the net, I found this forum, and learnt of various things.

I note that people involved with the reserve are active on this forum. I also notice (on the LROS) page that there is a public footpath running through the reserve.

I'd like to ask what people associated with the reserve think of people visiting the reserve using the footpath. I understand that legally I can use the footpath and view the parts of the reserve visible from it. However, I'm very sympathetic with the idea that we need to leave some places where wildlife can live undisturbed, and would want to support people working towards this. Hence I'd like to ask what those managing the reserve think of people using the public path. Is it something that's encouraged, or not really welcome but there's nothing they can do about it?

[John]

Hi Ross

First of all welcome to WAB.

You are quite correct when you say there are members on here that are part of Priory Water. I have been there a few times on the annual meets we have there.

The best person to answer your questions is Fourwings (Steve) but I've noticed that he hasn't posted since 12/01/09.

John

Originally Posted by RossClement

Hi all.

I was on a bus the other day that went past a nature reserve, called Priory Water. Upon looking it up on the net, I found this forum, and learnt of various things.

I note that people involved with the reserve are active on this forum. I also notice (on the LROS) page that there is a public footpath running through the reserve.

I'd like to ask what people associated with the reserve think of people visiting the reserve using the footpath. I understand that legally I can use the footpath and view the parts of the reserve visible from it. However, I'm very sympathetic with the idea that we need to leave some places where wildlife can live undisturbed, and would want to support people working towards this. Hence I'd like to ask what those managing the reserve think of people using the public path. Is it something that's encouraged, or not really welcome but there's nothing they can do about it?

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by John

Hi Ross

First of all welcome to WAB.

You are quite correct when you say there are members on here that are part of Priory Water. I have been there a few times on the annual meets we have there.

The best person to answer your questions is Fourwings (Steve) but I've noticed that he hasn't posted since 12/01/09.

John

I have noticed him on-line maybe a pm to him would be a good idea..

Welcome to WAB from me too..

[camo]

Ross

I can't answer specifically about Priory Water as I do not know the reserve however I can offer a general opinion.

Visitors are likely to be welcome to use a public footpath on the proviso that they do not stray from the path. Stray off the path and you are in danger of disturbing ground nesting birds and unsettling the confidence animals have in their habitat. In addition reserve management relies on equipment etc which will be used for studying activity, you will not be thanked for disturbing this.

Dogs must be kept on a lead as they are more than capable of scaring birds off nests, mammals out of territories, as well as killing things they catch.

The greatest benefit from casual visitors though is that any interaction with wildlife is likley to encourage a stronger engagement. Children particularly enjoy walks on such footpaths and they are the future guardians of our countryside.

Roy

[eeyore]

I'd also mention that in general terms the existence of a footpath only gives you the right to "freely pass and re pass on foot (or in a wheel chair)" therefore the reserve operators / landowner cannot stop you from walking along the foot path admiring the wildlife , but techincally speaking being on a footpath does not give you the right to stop and set up a scope or take pictures etc.