National Green Lane Day

Contact the NGLD co-ordiantor

Every year LARA member organisations take part in National Green Lane Day. This is a LARA initiative whereby the recreational motorist can put back a little something into the system whilst keeping used routes use in good condition – for all users.

Traditionally, before the black top, the only maintenance carried out on the roads involved keeping the drainage in good order and cutting back overhanging branches, thus allowing wind and sun to better dry the surface. Financial constraints now mean that highway authorities no longer expend much effort on the lesser carriageways, which in turn, means they become overgrown and damp. Any use then leaves a mark – the decline has started.

To give an idea of what can be achieved we highlight a 2005 NGLD event in Hampshire, where an unclassified road had become all but impassable, to all users, due to two decades of neglect. At the beginning of the day no horse or cycle could pass along the lane. At the end of the day even the puddles were drying up. At the end of the day the lane started to look as I remember it some twenty-five years ago.

NGLD is not a LARA only event. Many non-LARA bodies join in, including Parish Councils and non-motor user groups. All the work is carried out with the blessing of the highway authority, at time that will not impact on nest building.

In the image above you can just see the puddle that features in an image higher up the page. All these images were taken on the same lane, on the same day. Fifty volunteers from 4x4 and motorcycle clubs can make a positive impact for all rights of way users. This particular lane has four footpaths feeding onto it.

In other counties - at other times - the task has been different... Abandonded cars - repairing drains.

Keen to organise an event of your own? Check out this helpful advice from the NGLD Co-ordinator.

For more details please contact LARA’s NGLD co-ordinator.

Dates and locations. If you are keen to help maintain our lanes, please sign up.

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