Rye Golf Club has announced its decision to close the pathway extending some 900 metres parallel to the river inside the boundary fence demarcating Club property.
In the public notice dated Monday October 17, the Golf Club Secretary refers to the creation of the temporary pathway in 2003 during the renovation of the eastern side wall of the river. Subsequent discussions with Natural England and their annual review of the Club’s ecological management plan have resulted in the recommendation to close the temporary path to further protect the delicate flora and fauna in the vicinity.
The walkway along the old tramway across the Jubilee course to Camber Beach remains open. The notice ends “the Club has responsibility to work with Natural England in the management of this Site of Special Scientific Interest and asks for the public’s co-operation in the matter”.
Source: Rye Golf Club
Photo: Kenneth Bird
Somewhat ironic that the Golf Club should close the path for ecological reasons when the whole of the golf course is a Site of Special Scientific Interest in Unfavourable Condition. The SSSI rating would suggest that there should be no activity on the golf course whatsoever.
I agree with the above comment. It does seem somewhat odd that the golf courses eco system is deemed too fragile for walkers yet acceptable to swing a nine iron on
It is not clear from the article where the path has been closed. If it is still possible to walk along the paved road and then alongside the river to its mouth outside the club’s boundary fence, is there a problem? Is the club trying to close a right of way or possibly trying to prevent a right of way being created?