Moving Planet - Planning for local sustainable transport solutions

The Ouse Valley Cycle Network Moving Planet walk was promoted through Viva Lewes, Village Connections, Cycle Seahaven, Transition Lewes and at the Newhaven Mayor's quiz night! As you can see from the happy waving walkers... we moved our tiny bit of the planet and our walk was well supported on a fine September day!

Around twenty people, several dogs and a heron joined the walk, enjoying the beautiful riverside scenery with wonderful panoramic views of surrounding Downland including Mount Caburn, Firle, Kingston and Swanborough Hills. We were well sustained throughout the approx nine mile walk by great enroute foraging... tasting many different varieties of apples and blackberries - and by our picnic at Southease!

We discussed possibilities for the Ouse valley trail as part of the bigger picture of South Downs National Park sustainable tourism, Lewes, Newhaven and Ouse valley development. We took photos and made detailed notes about the condition of the exisitng path, distributing information about the OVCN to passing cyclists and walkers, and at the Southease Chilli fair and Lewes Pickled events... We also talked about how to develop village connections and wider links with the Ouse valley network and international trails.

Apart from working out a solution for the frustrating but very pretty diversion at Piddinghoe, we felt that very few physical changes would be required to sensitively transform the riverside route into a much needed shared walking and cycle trail. Most of the work will be in making a strong enough case to change hearts and minds!

I discovered a missed email today from Norman Baker's office! Norman had offered last week to meet the Moving Planet group as we finished our walk at the railway station! Not the sort of email you want to miss! I'm glad that our efforts were recognised and have replied with thanks for the intention but also encouraging our local MP and Transport minister to continue to promote further local sustainable transport funding and capital spending when planning for more sustainable economic regeneration.