At the far western end of Hambrook Marshes is the wooden Tonford footbridge, leading to a tarmac path over the level crossing and up Tonford Lane. Adjoining the bridge is a ford, which used to be a thoroughfare across the Stour, most likely used by farm wagons.
The British Horse Society is proposing to submit an application to Kent County Council for that route’s historic existence to be recognised, and for it to be designated a Byway Open to All Traffic (or ‘BOAT’). This would allow access for horses and horse-drawn transport – but also for any vehicle capable of getting across the ford, such as motorbikes and four-wheel drives.
The trustees of Love Hambrook Marshes strongly oppose any attempt to confirm these rights for motor vehicles. We will therefore be lobbying the parish and Canterbury City councils, asking that they apply to KCC for restrictions that would ban motor vehicles from this route. Updates to follow.