England, my England
Sir: Kenneth Alisop's experience in walking the Hertfordshire countryside with his family seems particularly unfortunate—not only per- sonally but no doubt to many readers who will take this as typical and be grossly misled by his jaundiced and exaggerated description of conditions generally (28 February).
There are, of course, extremists amongst gamekeepers and ramblers, motorists, horse- riders too—and very objectionable they can be. Normally there is mutual courtesy and con- sideration, although nowadays there is a tendency for rights of way to be emphasised without due regards for responsibilities of user. Here in West Sussex there are some 1,820 miles of public bridleways and footpaths-600 of which the writer has walked or ridden in a season, with no traumatic experiences.
Over the past few years a handful of volun- teers, working closely with goodwill of land- owners, farmers, keepers and foresters, has opened up a great number of 'grown in' paths and regularly keeps the NFU informed.
Kenneth Allsop can surely recount his ex- periences, but he should really drop this pose of juggling with words and attempting to juggle with the minds of his readers, listeners and viewers.
Charles Shippam Priory Cottage, Boxgrove, Chichester, Sussex
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